EXERCISE, NOT CALCIUM INTAKE, BUILDS TEEN’S BONES
A ten-year study showed that regular exercise during adolescence was the biggest factor that determines bone density. Calcium supplementation during the teen years did not show any benefit in building bone strength.

Dr. Sears comments: This is not the first study to show these results. It has long been known that weight-bearing exercise and sports during the teen years, such as dance and gymnastics, prevents osteoporosis later in life. Parents often make the mistake of thinking that calcium supplements alone will help their kids grown strong bones. This study showed that even brisk walking 30 minutes each day helps build bone density in teens. I recommend teens get about 1600 mg of calcium daily, but this does little good unless it is accompanied by exercise and sports.

FOOD ADDITIVES SHOWN TO INCREASE HYPERACTIVITY
A British study of 277 kids showed that artificial food coloring and benzoate food preservatives increase hyperactivity in preschool kids.

Dr. Sears comments: One of the first things I tell a patient with ADHD or problematic hyperactivity is to purify the diet. Stop buying foods with artificial colors, additives, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners. This is easily done by shopping at a health food supermarket.

CORN SYRUP FRUCTOSE SHOWN TO STIMULATE APPETITE HORMONES
Researchers measured the levels of hormones that stimulate hunger in women after consuming drinks high in fructose. The women showed increased levels of an appetite-stimulating hormone, as well as an increase in blood fat levels. The biggest source of fructose in our diets is soft drinks and other beverages sweetened with corn syrup. It was concluded that consuming such drinks can contribute to overeating and obesity.

Dr. Sears comments: An important part of the LEAN Kids program is cutting out the corn syrup. Click here to read more about sugar and how to consume it wisely. Click here to read more about how to prevent and treat childhood obesity through the LEAN program.

EATING FRUIT PREVENTS VISUAL LOSS LATER IN LIFE
A study of over 100,000 adults followed for 18 years in Boston has shown that consuming 3 or more servings of fruit each day significantly lowers the risk of macular degeneration, a form of visual loss that occurs in the elderly.

Dr. Sears comments: This is just one of the many benefits of eating a diet rich in fruits and veggies. Click here to read how you and your kids can get plenty every day.

NEW PEDIATRIC RESEARCH ON PAXIL BROUGHT TO LIGHT
In response to legal pressure, the makers of the popular antidepressant Paxil made public some research studies that showed the drug is ineffective in kids and increases suicide attempts.

Dr. Sears comments: This should be a warning to parents whose kids are taking Paxil. Talk to your doctor about alternative treatment options.

NANCY REAGAN SPEAKS OUT IN SUPPORT OF STEM CELL RESEARCH
Because stem cells have been shown to improve neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, the former First Lady is now publicly advocating stem cell research to treat the disease that President Reagan suffered from late in life.

Dr. Sears comments: While I don’t support embryonic stem cell research, I do believe that umbilical cord blood stem cells are a valuable resource that has some current uses, and many future possibilities. Click here to read more about banking your newborn’s cord blood at the time of birth.