Study Show Kids Still Get a Big Dose of Nicotine Even When Parents Smoke Outside
Researchers tested the urine of 360 preschoolers whose parents smoke only outside and found their nicotine levels were twice as high as 430 kids from non-smoking households. In homes where parents smoke indoors the levels were 15 times higher.

Dr. Sears comments: Smoking outside helps a little, but kids still get a dose of the cancer-causing chemicals in cigarette smoke even if parents smoke outside. If anyone in your household is smoking, get help to quit.

Toddler TV Watching Linked to ADD
A study of 2500 kids showed that between the ages of 1 and 3 every hour of TV (or videos) viewed each day increased the likelihood of ADD by 10 percent at age 7. This is likely due to some disruption of the critical brain development that occurs during this age.

Dr. Sears comments: No comment needed. Just turn off the TV. If your little ones do watch TV, place a 30 to 60 minute limit each day. Sitting with your kids and interacting with them (asking questions and pointing out what they are seeing) can really help make TV watching a more worthwhile experience.

SSRI Antidepressants Unpublished Research Data Show Suicide Risk in Kids
Researchers reviewed data from 6 unpublished studies that showed SSRI antidepressants have not shown to be effective in children. The studies also revealed an alarming side effect for kids using these meds – an increased suicidal tendency compared to depressed kids NOT taking this class of meds. Drug companies knew these data existed but chose to suppress it. Most of these drugs are labeled as not approved for use in kids under 18, but many doctors prescribe them off label.

Prozac Taken During Pregnancy can Harm Baby
A review of research on Prozac (an SSRI) has revealed that babies can be born early, have a lower birth weight, be jittery or unusually sleepy at birth, and have respiratory problems when a pregnant mom has been taking the medication, especially late in her pregnancy. Researchers also noted that untreated depression during and after pregnancy also poses a health risk to a mother.

Zinc Supplements May Help ADHD
A small research study showed that kids taking Ritalin plus Zinc did better than kids with Ritalin alone. The Zinc kids did report a higher incidence of nausea (a known side effect of Zinc).

Dr. Sears reports: I find this study interesting, as Zinc can have a positive effect on health in a variety of ways. I would recommend parents try this with their ADD of ADHD kids – start at 10 mg daily and increase to 20 mg as needed. Teens can take 30 or 40 mg if tolerated (no stomach upset). Click here to read more about ADD.