Holiday Family Feasts: 10 Toxic Food Ingredients to Avoid

It is the time of the year for food!  More important it is a week of family, friends and people gathering and sharing a meal together.  All year round parents attempt to guide their kids and teens to healthy habits, however during this week (actually the entire holiday season) it can be a struggle.

Childhood obesity is still a major concern for parents, children and teens.  It is also a very serious concern that we need to take seriously.

We all love food, but what happens when our food turns against us? How much do we really know about the substances we eat every day? New research has showed that we may not know nearly as much as we thought about what we eat and that some of our favorite ingredients may be slowly eating us alive.

Here are the top 10 toxic food ingredients you want to avoid:

1. Sodium Nitrate: Sodium nitrate is the ingredient used as a preservative in meats that can have severe cardiovascular effects if ingested in large quantities. Sodium Nitrate is thought to cause blood vessel walls to narrow and harden. This damage to blood vessels changes the way the heart pumps blood and can lead to severe heart problems. Monitoring the amount of meat you eat or ensuring that meats are preservative free can help you to avoid the side effects of Sodium Nitrate toxicity. Your heart will thank you later.
2. Hydrogenated Oils: Hydrogenated oils, like margarine and Crisco, are animal or plant oils that have been infused with hydrogen at high pressures. This is done to prolong the shelf life of these items. Ironically, items like margarine were once touted for their health benefits in addition to their resistance to spoilage. Now, most countries recognize that these oils contain high levels of trans fat and can lead to atherosclerosis, diabetes and obesity. Avoiding deep fried foods and checking packaging for hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils as ingredients can help you maintain a healthy weight and a healthy heart.
3. Excitotoxins: What are excitotoxins? Excitotoxins are reactive forms of amino acids found in the body and are present in things like Aspartame and MSG (Monosodium Glutamate). While the fact that these amino acids normally exist in the body may make you think they are perfectly safe, but the reality is that the forms ingested are highly reactive and can interfere with normal neurological signaling, causing migraines, seizures and other neurological problems if ingested in very high doses. Avoiding foods that contain these taste enhancers will help you to avoid these problems, but beware that they exist in many more foods than you might think. Always check the packaging and know what you’re eating.
4. Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG): Monosodium Glutamate is a flavor enhancer which can cause severe headaches and neurological problems in certain individuals. As an excitotoxin, MSG is a derivative of a common human amino acid, but if ingested in large quantities this amino acid can interfere with normal neurochemistry. MSG is particularly found in canned foods and Asian food, but its use in the US has become a subject of controversy. While the FDA lists the ingredient as safe, it may be a good bet to avoid MSG because it does nothing but enhance flavor.
5. Olestra: Olestra has been hailed as a miracle ingredient. It is a fat substitute that allows savory foods like potato chips to retain their delicious flavor without the added fat of their natural predecessors. While the critical acclaim has been pouring in, Olestra has recently come under attack. It has been shown to cause severe gastrointestinal problems, including loose stool and cramping. Perhaps more importantly, it has been shown to deplete carotenoids from the blood. Carotenoids are essential in the prevention of cancer and their depletion has been linked to increased risks of development of certain types of cancer. While the FDA has yet to act in restricting the use of Olestra, it might be a good idea to avoid this ingredient until it is better understood.
6. Caffeine: Humans have been ingesting caffeine for centuries, but only recently have some of caffeine’s negative health effects come to light. If you rely on a cup of coffee or tea to provide you with energy and focus, there is an underlying biochemical problem that you are not addressing. Are you getting enough sleep or exercise? Caffeine can become a problem when people develop a tolerance to its energizing effects and require more and more of the liquid that contains it, ingesting more and more calories in the process. And if you try to cut back on your caffeine intake cold turkey, you will experience some potentially severe withdrawal symptoms that can make your life temporarily miserable. Monitoring your caffeine intake closely will help avoid dependency and prevent withdrawal, but beware how much you depend on coffee in the morning to wake up. It may be a sign of another more serious problem.
7. Trans Fat: Trans fats are created when partially hydrogenated oil is used in the preparation of fried foods. The effects of trans fats have been shown to be absolutely devastating, and America appears to finally be taking action to curb the debilitating health effects of excess trans fat intake. Americans love fried food, but the trans fat in our favorite fried treats can lead to high LDL cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease or stroke. Many restaurants are now flaunting their 0 trans fat foods, but always check packaging to be sure you’re not eating too much of this potentially deadly additive.
8. BPA: BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical building block in polycarbonate plastics. BPA can be found in just about anything that is plastic, but it is particularly common in reusable plastic containers like drinking bottles and baby bottles. The health effects of BPA are controversial. Some evidence shows that intake of small amounts of BPA over time may lead to sexual side effects, like nonviable semen in men and depleted ovary function in women. These studies are not conclusive, and other studies have shown that the doses of BPA humans ingest from plastic drinking bottles and the like are so low that the compound plays no role in physiology. So what should you do? Do your own research and decide how you feel about BPA.
9. Diacetyl : Diacetyl is a compound found most commonly in microwave popcorn. Recent studies have shown that inhalation of this powder like substance can cause severe lung problems. So do we need a gas mask before firing up our popcorn in the microwave? It turns out that manufacturers of microwave popcorn are the ones who are really suffering the tragic health effects of this ingredient, but it’s not a bad idea to avoid breathing in the fumes from freshly popped popcorn or other hot butter substitutes.
10. High Fructose Corn Syrup: This sweetener is in more foods than you would ever imagine and has been linked to severe health problems, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. High fructose corn syrup is difficult to avoid, but a careful check of a product’s packaging and a general preference for organic foods will help you to avoid this common and dangerously common sweetener.

Contributor: Anna Miller, Online Degree

Last year in Broward County, Our First Lady, Michelle Obama has championed the campaign to Let’s Move and visited our local students in Weston at Falcon Cove Middle School.  This exciting and educational visit inspired the students to get out and get moving and create an active lifestyle.

Be an educated parent, you will have healthier and safer teens!

Read more.

ADHD: Commons Myths about ADHD and Teens

Guest Blogger, Jasmine Hall, from OnlineClasses.org, has asked me the share her recent article that I believe many of my readers will find value with.  ADD/ADHD is a subject that many parents and experts have debated for years.  As a son with ADHD, I know firsthand how difficult it can be, and how solutions are different for every family.

10 Common Myths About ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been the subject of scrutiny in recent years due to the perception that it’s a faux-disorder. A patient isn’t diagnosed after an X-ray or blood test, but rather with a behavioral evaluation that considers his or her unique situation. The lack physical evidence fuels the skeptics despite the fact that many of them lack experience in dealing with the disorder. Just ask a parent of a child or an adult who suffers from ADHD, and they’ll tell you that it’s more than just the occasional loss of concentration — it hinders their ability to function to their potential, in school and social situations. The following myths have been perpetuated by people who don’t understand ADHD but have been debunked by doctors, mental health professionals and people who live with the disorder.

1. ADHD isn’t a real problem: It’s a common opinion that disorders like ADHD were devised by drug companies in order to make a few extra bucks, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, it’s a recognized disorder by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Medical Association (AMA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a majority of national psychiatric and psychological organizations. Acknowledgment of ADHD is almost unanimous by mental health professionals and researchers who have studied it.
2. ADHD is an excuse: As previously mentioned, ADHD is a legitimate disorder, and one that can hinder a person’s ability to reach their full academic and personal potential. Symptoms include: difficulty focusing on one thing, difficulty learning something new or completing a task, listening problems, general confusion and disorganization, the inability to sit still, the constant desire to be in motion, excessive talking, the inability to remain quiet for even short periods of time, and poor impulse control. A comprehensive list of symptoms is available by clicking the link.
3. Strict discipline can solve childhood ADHD-caused problems: Many people claim that strict discipline can solve a child’s behavioral problems caused by ADHD. Some skeptics tend to view it as a generational problem, asserting that children are spoiled and need to be more harshly punished for their actions. The truth of the matter is that children with ADHD lack sufficient impulse control and excessive punishment can prove damaging to their mental health. And while it’s important to set clear expectations and establish structure, it’s also essential that parents remain patient with their children.
4. All ADHD sufferers are hyperactive: Although constant hyperactivity is the primary problem associated with ADHD, it’s not the only symptom. Inattentive-type ADHD, or ADHD without the “H,” has become more recognized by the medical community in recent years. A person can control their impulses while being inattentive, which can lead to substandard academic performance. Even shyness is characteristic of inattentive-type ADHD sufferers; children with the disorder require positive attention, as low self-esteem may become an issue.
5. ADHD indicates a lack of intelligence: A Yale report published in 2009 showed that about three of four people with ADHD and an IQ score of more than 120 experienced difficulties with memory and cognitive tests. On the other hand, people without ADHD with similar IQ scores didn’t have as many problems. ADHD doesn’t discriminate based on IQ score. People of all intelligence levels have it; many just need assistance in harnessing their capabilities.
6. ADHD medication causes a drugged feeling: A doctor or mental health specialist will determine the appropriate treatment for ADHD based on the unique needs of the patient. Side effects are closely monitored and if a medication has an adverse effect, the dosage will be lowered or it will be changed to something more suitable. The stimulant that’s typically prescribed comes in different forms, including capsule, pill, patch and liquid. Some have short-term effects while others have long-term effects. In short, there’s not one treatment that’s applied to everyone.
7. ADHD can be diagnosed through a medication trial: Psychostimulants have the same effect on people without ADHD as they do on people with ADHD, so a noticeable difference in behavior subsequent to taking a medication isn’t a true indicator that a person has the disorder. A person who thinks they may have ADHD should consult a doctor or mental health specialist, and he or she will make an assessment with the assistance of diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association, or the American Academy of Pediatrics if a child is being examined.
8. ADHD diagnoses have become too common: According to the CDC, just three to seven percent of school-aged children had ADHD in 2006. Between 1997 and 2006, diagnoses of ADHD increased by an average of just three percent each year. A 2005 report by the CDC indicated that 4.4 million children aged four to 17 were diagnosed with the disorder, and just 2.5 million of them were prescribed medication. What’s more, many medical professionals and researchers assert that girls and minorities are underdiagnosed.
9. ADHD is limited to children: Many children who endure ADHD still battle it well into adulthood, and many adults will be diagnosed for the first time years after they’ve entered the real word. Instead of forgetting homework assignments, failing to complete in-class assignments and inefficiently studying, they may forget an appointment, produce at a slower rate than their peers, and exhibit a general lack of preparation. In many cases, the result is job instability and a lack of career fulfillment, which can affect their overall quality of life. Adults who think they may have ADHD shouldn’t hesitate to visit a doctor or mental health specialist.
10. People with ADHD can’t succeed: The lengthy list of talented people who have ADHD includes 14-time gold medalist Michael Phelps, four-time Super Bowl champion Terry Bradshaw, Kinko’s founder Paul Orfalea, and Virgin Group founder and billionaire Richard Branson. Additionally, great innovators, thinkers and leaders from the past are said to have shown symptoms of the disorder, like Albert Einstein, Beethoven, Charles Schwab and John Lennon. Given the sheer amount of people who have overcome ADHD to achieve their dreams, it’s clear that it doesn’t have to be an impediment to success.

Bullying Prevention: Gay, Disabled, Transgender and other NORMAL Teens

Yes, normal and acceptable, tolerance is taught at home and reaches into our communities.  South Florida has been the battleground of bullying and school violence and it has to stop.

For many years, kids were bullied because their behavior or appearance was perceived by the bully to be different. Now, bullying children who are gay, lesbian, trans-gender or bi-sexual has become more flagrant. The National Center for Transgender Equality reports that of 6,500 people surveyed, 51 percent attempted suicide because of bullying.

Currently, approximately 160,000 children stay at home from school each day because of bullying. It also seems to be socially acceptable to bully anyone who is different, and that includes children who are overweight, underweight or disabled.

Bullying has also encroached on the Internet.

According to Pacer’s National Center for Bullying Prevention:

• 42 percent of children and teens have been bullied on line, one in four more than once;
• 35 percent of children have been threatened on line, one in five more than once; and
• 58 percent of children admit someone has said mean or hurtful things on line, four out of ten more than once.

Things we can do to stop bullying:

1.  Facebook has a “Report” button so you can report bullying. You can also block the sender. Don’t add a friend you don’t know.

2.  Report bullying. Telling is not tattling. If the teacher does not listen, go to the principal, the district, etc. until you are heard. Remember, the bully relies on fear and intimidation to keep his threats secretive.

3.  Keep a record of the bullying, including the location, the bully’s name, and any witnesses.

4.  Some great resources are:

• Teens Against Bullying
• The Bully Police
• Pacer National Center for Bullying Prevention,
• GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network
• National Center for Transgender Equality
• PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends & Lesbians and Gays

If you have seen bullying or have been bullied, you can e-mail bullying411@pacer.org.

5.  The American Civil Liberties Union can also address the rights of a child or teen who has been bullied.

6.  If you are feeling suicidal, call:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8256) (24-hours)
• The Gay Lesbian Bi-Sexual & Transgender National Hotline: (888) THE-GLNA
• The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386 (24-hours)

Common sayings: “Boys will be boys,” “Girls aren’t bullies,” “Words can never hurt,” “It’s only teasing,” “Kids deserve bullying,” or “Kids need to toughen up,” are not true. Billy Lucas, age 15, Justin Aaberg, age 15, Tyler Clementi, age 18, Asher Brown, age 13, and Seth Walsh, age 13, recently killed themselves because of bullying. No one deserves to be bullied.

Contributor:  Kim A. Tennant, author of  Thin Club and The Ordinary Extraordinary Boy

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Bullying of Overweight Teens: Support for Parents and Teens

Bullying is one of today’s growing and serious trends in our country today.  Whether a student has a sexual preference that you don’t agree with, or a child that is overweight, bullying is becoming a way to harass and harm kids.  School violence is being used as kids are being hurt.

Promoting health, wellness and good eating habits is sometimes difficult for busy parents.  According to a recent Harris Interactive poll, 30% of us who are overweight or obese think that we are just fine, thanks, and 70% of us who are obese think that we are merely overweight.  Our self-esteem, in other words, hasn’t skipped a beat.  Some have even surmised that “fat is the new norm,” our perceptions gradually adapting to the sight of our heavier friends, neighbors, and acquaintances around us.

Weight discrimination has increased a whopping 66% over the past decade, and is “comparable to rates of racial discrimination, especially among women.” Weight bias affects the workplace, media, healthcare, schools, and yes, family life.  A recent study reveals that parents discriminate againsttheir own overweight kids by being less willing to help pay for college or buy them a car.

Sadly, weight bias is no joke, but like any form of bullying, a potentially deadly affair.  Overweight kids and teens are often physically bullied, taunted, and excluded by peers, family members, teachers, and other authority figures.  Not only does criticism and public pressure about one’s weight tend to increase eating disorders, comfort-eating, reduced physical activity, and weight gain, but it contributes to depression, damaged self-esteem, poor body image, and even suicidality.

So what can parents do? Get educated.  Watch three fantastic videos on weight bias and kids from Yale University’s Rudd Center and share them with your family, your PTO or PTA, your school principal, your friends.  Read posts on Fitsmi from a teen who was bullied for her weight; a girl who suffered drive-by insults; a teen teased by her brother and his friend; a Mom reflecting on the importance of praising a daughter’s beauty, at any size.  Increase sensitivity to weight bias in your home, raise awareness at your local schools, and make sure that in a tough world, your child at least has one person he or she can turn to:  you.

Visit FitsmiForMoms.com for more valuable and educational information.  Watch video on sidebar to learn more about how Fitsmi can fit into your parenting!

Source: Fitsmi.com

Jacksonville has been chosen as one of 50 communities across the country to receive a grant to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic.

Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities, made possible with a grant through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) based out of New Jersey, will focus on “neighborhoods where obesity is exacerbated by issues like acute unemployment and poverty, crime, dangerous traffic or too few grocery stores.“

Be an educated parent, you will have healthier teens.

Read more.