USA: Researchers in a recent study in JAMA Network Open have advised against administring targeted antibiotic treatments as an elimination strategy in areas with hypoendemic trachoma. The findings of.
Supplementation of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) may enhance self-regulation (SR) and executive functioning (EF) in children of preschool age. The aim of the Omega Kid Study was to investigate the effect of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation on SR and EF in typically developing preschool-aged children. A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial was undertaken, the intervention was 12 weeks and consisted of 1.6 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day compared to placebo. The HS-Omega-3 Index® was assessed by capillary blood samples at baseline and post-intervention. Seventy-eight children were enrolled and randomised to either the n-3 LCPUFA treatment (n = 39) or placebo (n = 39) group. Post intervention, there was a significant three-fold increase in the HS-Omega-3 Index® in the n-3 LCPUFA group (p < 0.001). There were no improvements in SR or EF outcome variables for the n-3 LCPUFA group post intervention compared to the pl
Abstract
Self-regulation, the regulation of behaviour in early childhood, impacts children’s success at school and is a predictor of health, wealth, and criminal outcomes in adulthood. Self-regulation may be optimised by dietary supplementation of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs). The aim of the “Omega Kid” study is to investigate the feasibility of a protocol to investigate whether n-3 LCPUFA supplementation enhances self-regulation in preschool-aged children. The protocol assessed involved a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of 12 weeks duration, with an intervention of 1.6 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day (0.3 g EPA and 1.3 g DHA) in a microencapsulated powder compared to placebo. Children (n = 78; 40 boys and 38 girls) aged 3–5 years old were recruited and randomly allocated to the treatment (n = 39) or placebo group (n = 39). The HS–Omega-3 Index® served as a manipulation check on the
Difference Between Nightmares and Night Terrors
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They may include sleepwalking (somnambulism), bed-wetting (sleep enuresis) or sleep talking (somniloquy). Although similar and often confused, there are key differences that differentiate the two.
What are nightmares?
Nightmares are coherent and vividly realistic dreams that become increasingly disturbing as they progress and result in waking from sleep. Nightmares commonly involve impending danger or distressing themes and provoke emotions such as fear, embarrassment or anxiety upon waking.
Nightmares are common and affect people across the lifespan, with 50 – 85% of adults reporting occasional nightmares. However, they are particularly prevalent in childhood, with prevalence reaching a peak between the ages of 5-10 years.
Positive Parenting: Tips on Christmas shopping for kids
12 Dec 2020
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With the festive season fast approaching, shopping for Christmas gifts during a pandemic will surely be challenging. You might be feeling hard-pressed to buy expensive gifts for your little ones. Just remember: the more expensive toy is usually not the best toy.
As parents, we know how important play is for our child’s health and development. Toys can have an important role in play. But how much do we know about the toys our children play with?
Which toy is best?
The best toys are those that engage children socially, support problem-solving skills, and encourage creativity. The tricky part is, often times toys that look engaging to us adults may actually have the opposite effect.