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A recent study shows too many hours spent in front of TV, computer and video game screens may increase the risk of heart disease in children. Researchers say that when kids engage in screen time, they are likely to eat more, which probably explains the excess caloric consumption. The study was conducted by an inter-university research team from the University of Ottawa, Universite de Montreal, Concordia University, Universite Laval and McGill University.
The study showed a negative association between screen time and the heart health of kids. Participants who had more than two hours of screen time daily consumed more calories than kids who met the recommended guidelines of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity daily. Walking quickly, skating and bike riding are examples of moderate aerobic activities, while running, basketball and soccer are examples of vigorous-intensity activities.
The study found that screen time was linked to lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the good cholesterol, which seems to help protect against heart disease.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, American children and adolescents spend 22 to 28 hours per week viewing television, more than any other activity except sleeping. By the age of 70 they will have spent 7 to 10 years of their lives watching TV. So, parents should encourage healthier habits for kids, including limited TV and screen time.
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This entry was posted
on Thursday, April 25th, 2013 at 6:00 am and is filed under Baby and Child Health, Health Concerns & Ailments.
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Preconception health refers to the health of women before they become pregnant.
Did you know 40 to 50 percent of pregnancies are unintended? Many women have their first visit for prenatal care at eight weeks of pregnancy or later, yet the period of time before the first prenatal visit carries the most risk to fetal development. This is why it is recommended that you start your preconception health before you even start trying to become pregnant. It is recommended that women and men should prepare for pregnancy at least three months before getting pregnant.
One of the most highly recommended products for women to do for their preconception health is a prenatal vitamin. Make sure that your prenatal supplement contains at least 400 -800mcg of folic acid; this is to help prevent against neural tube defects like spina bifida. Other vitamins and minerals such as iron and calcium are also vital for fetal growth and development. Also remember to be sure your health care provider is aware of the supplements that you are taking.
A study on prenatal Omega-3 fatty acids reveled that adequate intake of omega 3 fatty acids docasehexaenoic (DHA) acid and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can increase gestation length and improve infant cognitive and visual performance. Adequate levels of Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to reduce the incidence of preterm birth in some populations.
Another beneficial step in your preconception health may be starting a detox or cleanse. A preconception detox is a way to give some rest to your overworked organs; to ease the labor of removing toxins from the foods we eat, the xenoestrogens in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the denatured soil on our farms. You may also want include starting an exercise program into your preconception checklist. It is recommended that you only exercise during pregnancy as long as you had started a program before you became pregnant. Exercise increases your metabolism as well is a great way to aid in detoxification.
Before you become pregnant, it is recommended you also stop drinking alcohol and smoking. If you have a medical condition, be sure it is under control. Some conditions that can affect pregnancy or be affected by it include asthma, diabetes, oral health, obesity and epilepsy. Also avoid contact with toxic substances or materials that could cause infections at work and at home. Also stay away from chemicals and cat or rodent feces before and during your pregnancy. You may also want to talk to your doctor about any over the counter medications that you are using. These include dietary and or herbal supplements.
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This entry was posted
on Sunday, April 21st, 2013 at 10:00 am and is filed under Baby and Child Health, Women's Health.
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Lucky Vitamin is happy to introduce another top quality brand of all-natural and organic products to our customers: Field Day.
Field Day offers a harvest of all-natural and organic quality products that are carefully selected and value priced. Ranging from beverages to salad dressings, organic foods to eco-friendly paper goods and much more, Field Day is proud to say that 91% of all products are certified organic and 94% are Non-GMO project verified.
Field Day defines GMOs according to the 1996 Organic Trade Association definition of Genetically Modified Organisms as products “made with techniques that alter the molecular or cell biology of an organism by means that are not possible under natural conditions or processes.” All Field Day products are enrolled in the Non-GMO Project, a third-party organization that tests and certifies a product does not contain GMOs. Field Day paper goods products are all made with 100% recycled materials including facial tissues, paper towels, bath tissues, and napkins.
Eco-Friendly Baby Wipes is one of the company’s best-selling items. This resalable product contains no BPA and is perfect to moisturize your baby’s skin with natural Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. Field Day Eco-Friendly Baby Wipes are alcohol free, hypoallergenic, free of dyes and fragrances, whitened without chlorine bleach, and gentle and soft for the baby’s skin. Field Day brings all the goodness of nature from the field to your pantry, sourcing the best ingredients to create products you and your family will love.
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This entry was posted
on Wednesday, March 27th, 2013 at 1:00 pm and is filed under Baby and Child Health, Natural Cleaning Aids.
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A new study says that mothers taking supplements containing folic acid at the time of conception and in the early months of pregnancy may cut in half the risk of autism.
The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association followed 85,176 children born in Norway. Only 114, or 0.13%, of those children had autistic disorder but 0.2% of the children whose mothers did not take folic acid had autism, compared to 0.1% of the children of mothers who took the vitamin in pill form. Women who took folic acid supplements before and early in pregnancy were 39% less likely to have autistic children. Stated differently, of every 10 children who would have become autistic without the folic acid supplements, 6 would be autistic with them.
“This is important because this is something women can do to reduce the risk of autism,” says Alycia Halladay, Senior Director of Clinical and Environmental Sciences at Autism Speaks. Folic acid supplementation is already recommended to prevent neural tube defects, which are often severe malformations of the brain. Pal Suren, the lead author of the Norwegian study, says that no adjustments for parental age or other factors seemed to make a big difference in the size of the effect.
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This entry was posted
on Tuesday, March 26th, 2013 at 1:00 pm and is filed under Baby and Child Health, Women's Health.
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A new study has found that baby wipes are as safe and hydrating as using water on newborn skin. The University of Manchester study, published in BioMed Central’s journal ‘BMC Pediatrics’, compared baby wipes against cotton wool and water on 280 newborn babies split into two groups over a three-year period at Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust.
Throughout this trial, parents were advised to bathe their newborns in water alone and not to use any other product on their baby’s skin. The findings showed that the wipes were equivalent to water and cotton wool in terms of skin hydration. No significant differences were found in the secondary outcomes. The trial was conducted fully independently by a group of health-care professionals and was approved by the ethics committee and monitored by and external Data Monitoring Committee (DMC).
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that parents should use water only on newborns. However, the study found that wipes, much more convenient for parents, were as effective and as safe as water and hydrated babies’ skin just as well.
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This entry was posted
on Tuesday, February 12th, 2013 at 2:00 pm and is filed under Announcements & News, Baby and Child Health.
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LuckyVitamin.com is happy to introduce a top quality brand of organic and natural candy to our customers: Surf Sweets.
Surf Sweets offers a delicious selection of candy products created with only all natural pure ingredients. The company uses no trans fats, GMO, gluten, or artificial colors and flavors. All products are produced and packaged in a facility free of peanuts, wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, tree nuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish.
Surf Sweets provides 100% of your vitamin C per serving. All gummy candies and jelly beans are certified USDA organic and contain no artificial fertilizers or harsh chemical pesticides. A recent study completed by the British medical journal The Lancet, showed that artificial colors and preservatives increased hyperactivity and decreased attention span in a wide range of children with and without learning disabilities. A number of food and candy manufacturers in Europe are now removing artificial colors, flavors and preservatives from their products.
In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a position paper which suggested removing artificial colors and preservatives from the diets of children experiencing ADHD behaviors (http://www.feingold.org/aap.html). Artificial colors are primarily coal-tar derivatives made from chemical compounds which are made when coal is distilled.
Surf Sweets is part of TruSweets, LLC, a company committed to offering you great tasting candy and building a long-lasting relationship with you for many years to come. You can try the fruitfully delicious, naturally good Surf Sweet organic candy, available at our discounted prices at LuckyVitamin.com.
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This entry was posted
on Friday, January 18th, 2013 at 9:00 am and is filed under Baby and Child Health, Health Foods.
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A recent report published in BMC Pediatrics shows that supplementation with a probiotic supplement could help to reduce the incidence of cinnib gastrointestinal problem associated with premature babies. The research examines the positive impact of routine supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus Reuteri on a rate of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is the most common gastrointestinal cause of death and illness in premature infants, with an average death rate of around 20-30%.
According to the research team, regular probiotic intake can prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in around 12% of high risk premature infants. The study analyzed data from 311 premature infants, born with weight bellow 1000 grams, and supplementation was found to result in a significant reduction with only 2.5% of infants given probiotic suffered NEC, compared to 15.1% of those who did not receive the supplements.
1 Comment, latest by Julie Warren
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This entry was posted
on Monday, October 8th, 2012 at 2:00 pm and is filed under Baby and Child Health.
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Supplementation with L-Carnitine may help kids with autism according to the findings of a new study.
The 6-month study published in the Journal of Autism Spectrum Disorders shows that regular intake of L-Carnitine improved behavioral symptoms of autistic children.
The study used the yardstick called CARS, childhood autism rating scale, a 15-item scale generally used to measure communication both verbal and nonverbal, object use, fear and nervousness and interpersonal relations in autistic children.
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This entry was posted
on Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012 at 1:11 pm and is filed under Baby and Child Health.
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The possible link between folic acid and autism remains controversial, but a new study shows that women whose children had autism recalled getting less folic acid through food and supplements early in their pregnancies than those whose kids didn’t develop the disorder.
Meeting recommendations for folic acid, at least 600 micrograms per day, in the first month of pregnancy was tied to a 38 percent lower chance of having a kid with autism, researchers reported last week in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Also known as vitamin B9, methylfolate, or simply folate, folic acid is a B vitamin needed for cell replication and growth. Folic acid helps form building blocks of DNA, the body’s genetic information, and building blocks of RNA, needed for protein synthesis in all cells. Therefore, rapidly growing tissues, such as those of a fetus, and rapidly regenerating cells, like red blood cells and immune cells, have a high need for folic acid. Folic acid deficiency results in a form of anemia that responds quickly to folic acid supplementation.
A synthetic form of the B-vitamin folate, folic acid has been added to breakfast cereals and other grains in the United States since 1998 because of evidence showing deficiencies in pregnant women made it more likely their babies would have brain and spine birth defects. Questions have remained about whether lack of the vitamin, or difficulty processing it, might increase the risk of mental retardation and certain developmental disorders as well.
Folate “becomes very critical in the early stages of life as well as the first year of life, when basically the brain is establishing connections and functions,” said Edward Quadros from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
1 Comment, latest by Bertha
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This entry was posted
on Thursday, June 7th, 2012 at 11:00 am and is filed under Baby and Child Health, Vitamins and Minerals.
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Lucky Vitamin is happy to introduce a revolutionary brand of personal care products for kids: Varsity Naturals.
Varsity Naturals is the maker of Junior Varsity Naturals Kids Deodorant. This company was started and put together by two long time friends that had noticed a need for a kid’s deodorant. After months of research and long hours, they quickly discovered that parents all over the world were having the same problems: their kids had body odor and there was not a natural deodorant available.
Varsity Naturals Kid’s deodorant has answered the clamoring need for a safe and very gentle deodorant for kids. This is an all natural product developed for active children and adults of any age. You won’t find any harsh or potentially dangerous chemicals such as aluminum chlorohydrate (may be linked with Alzheimer’s Disease), paraben’s (may be linked with breast cancer), and propylene glycol (ingredient commonly used in manufacturing antifreeze).
Varsity Naturals produces an all natural antibacterial deodorant derived from only natural sources that are gentle and effective. Simple and safe, this natural deodorant goes on clear, will not leave any white residue, and is strong enough to keep individuals with even the most active life styles feeling fresh and odor free all day.
Unlike leading brands of deodorant claiming to be “all natural” but containing parabens and glycols, Junior Varsity Naturals Kids Deodorant contains only naturals ingredients such as glycerin from vegetable oil (used to retain skin’s moisture), water, sodium stearate from steraic acid (from vegetable oil), ethylhexylglycerin derived from vegetable glycerin, polysorbate derived from Lauric Acid from coconut oil, and fragrance derived from essence oils.
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This entry was posted
on Tuesday, April 17th, 2012 at 5:00 pm and is filed under Baby and Child Health.
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Justin Bieber toothbrushes by Brush Buddies are one of hottest items at the moment and now, you can find this top quality line of personal care products at our discounted prices at Lucky Vitamin.
The Brush Buddies talking toothbrush is the latest innovation in kids’ oral care. This unique product contains two buttons: one button when you wake up in the morning and one before you go to bed. Each button will play a Justin Bieber’s song for 2 minutes which is the recommended time to brush your teeth. Now you can enjoy brushing your teeth while you listen to Justin’s best songs.
In addition, the Justin Bieber toothbrushes by Brush Buddies are top quality products. Soft DuPont bristles are ergonomically designed to clean plaque in hard to reach places, and the soft rubber coating can give you a comfortable brushing experience. The replaceable brush head should be replaced every 3 months as normally recommended by dentists.
Simply push the button under the collar and the brush will let your child know to start brushing the upper teeth. At the 1 minute mark, now the brush will let her know to start brushing the lower teeth. Thanks to the Brush Buddies toothbrush, your child will learn to properly brush for the recommended 2 minutes and have fun doing it.
Brush Buddies toothbrushes are manufactured by Ashtel Studios Inc. Founded in 2002, the company entered the dental industry as the field had plenty of opportunities for technology based companies, leading to the launch of Ashtel Dental. Working closely with dentists and staff, and listening to their needs, Ashtel Dental has developed into a complete dental practice solution company, with a top quality product line that can be sold to dental professionals.
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This entry was posted
on Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 at 11:00 am and is filed under Baby and Child Health, Personal Care.
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Lucky Vitamin is proud to introduce Luna Star products to our customers.
Luna Star offers a high quality line of all natural kids’ play makeup made entirely with natural, non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials. This unique line was developed for children and all products contain the same ingredients as adult mineral makeup but at a much lower cost to the consumer.
Luna Star products are high in quality and all ingredients are FDA-approved for the various purposes, and all suppliers comply with standards set by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (non-toxic, no animal testing, etc). A proud member of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, all Luna Star products are hand-crafted in New Hampshire.
The Star collection features bright palettes for a variety of occasions from ballet recitals to everyday play. All kits contain 2 eye shadow shades, blush, and organic bubble gum lip shimmer. You can use the recyclable carry sac (made from recycled materials) for the makeup or other treasures. Kits include Pop Star, Ballet Star, Soccer Star, and the deluxe Super Star.
Fancy Fairies is a collection which features magical palettes for everything from princess parties to dress-up play. Kits include Princess Fairy, Sparkle Fairy, Princess Fairy, and the deluxe Queen Fairy.
Luna Star also offers costume makeup for Halloween or any other time when your kids want to really “be” their favorite creature or character. The Essentials kit has everything needed for a safe, healthy introduction to makeup. Lucky Vitamin is now offering Luna Star creative products at our discounted prices.
1 Comment, latest by Greg
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This entry was posted
on Tuesday, March 13th, 2012 at 5:00 pm and is filed under Baby and Child Health.
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Lucky Vitamin is announcing the introduction of another premium brand of eco-friendly products for kids and babies: Health Science Labs.
Health Science Labs manufactures eco-educational fun products for kids and babies as well as high quality nutritional supplements, first aid and other eco-friendly products. The company is fully committed to being environmentally friendly. All Endangered Species recycled products are made of biodegradable “stone paper” printed with soy ink that doesn’t kill trees, doesn’t pollute the air or water, and saves energy and water.
The Endangered Species product line offers innovative bath toys, first aid, activities sets, and travel items, designed to utilize the most premiere eco-friendly materials available in the market today. With these bath-time products, such as bath coloring mats with “no-roll” soap crayons, bath mitts and animal scrubbies, you can be sure your kids will be getting clean while they play and learn more about endangered species. All liquid bath products are paraben, sulfate and dye-free.
Additionally, every purchase of an Endangered Species product helps endangered animals through donations to the Defenders of Wildlife Organization. The preservation of the planet’s resources and threatened wildlife is one of the core values of HSL.
Another top selling product is the Infinity8 brand gummy vitamins, made with natural flavors and colors that taste great without any vitamin after-taste. Choose from Vital8 multivitamin gummies, Regul8 Prebiotic daily fiber gummies, Osteo8 calcium with vitamin D3 gummies and Immun8 immunity boosting gummies with vitamin C, Echinacea, and zinc.
Lucky Vitamin is now offering Health Science Labs products at our discounted prices.
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This entry was posted
on Wednesday, February 15th, 2012 at 11:00 am and is filed under Baby and Child Health.
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Lucky Vitamin is happy to introduce a brand of unique and revolutionary products to our customers: My Brest Friend.
My Brest Friend offers the first pillow specifically designed for breastfeeding. The company is fully dedicated to providing the highest quality and most useful breastfeeding support products for moms and babies all over the world.
With no choices available to new moms just a few years ago, My Brest Friend pillows were developed in a “laboratory” of new moms, babies, and breastfeeding experts who set out to create a pillow whose sole purpose was to answer all the needs of breastfeeding moms and babies.
Today, My Brest Friend’s patented wrap-around design has made fans in over 33 countries as well as being used in hundreds of NIC units and birthing hospitals. It is the number one choice of lactation consultants and consistently earns raves among nursing mothers, with reports of helping them achieve longer holding and feeding cycles with their babies.
Among the features and benefits, the My Brest Friend pillow offers back rest to help you maintain good posture during feeding, preventing sore backs and necks, as well as arm and elbow rests to eliminate shoulder stress. The unique wrap around design secures to the body, helping mom and baby maintain ideal positioning during feeding. The pillow also has a one handed adjustable silent release strap buckle for easy-off which can be extended for larger sizes. The firm, flat front cushion eliminates gap between you and your baby, preventing the baby from rolling in or away during breastfeeding.
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This entry was posted
on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 at 11:00 am and is filed under Baby and Child Health.
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Lucky Vitamin is happy to introduce a revolutionary product to our customers: Steri-Bottle.
Steri-bottle is the exciting single-use feeding bottle that’s 100% recyclable and ready to use out of the box. With a choice of 5 or 10 bottles and nipples per box, Steri-bottle is made of a safe Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalate free plastic.
Invented by a parent who knows how precious time can be, Steri-bottle is one of the UK’s top selling baby bottles and has been feeding babies and saving parents thousands and thousands of hours of bottle washing and sterilizing since 2000.
Convenient anytime, at home or on the move, there is literally nothing like it for taking the time and stress out of bottle-preparation and giving you an extra bit of your life back. Perfect for the 3 a.m. feed, ready for immediate use when you are pressed for time, ideal for trips, the Steri-bottle is designed with care and manufactured with pride.
There are many benefits to using Steri-bottle over conventional baby feeding bottles. When you’re out and about with your little one, Steri-bottle is quick and easy. When it’s early in the morning, or late at night, you don’t need to worry about the hassle of washing or sterilizing a bottle: simply open up your box of Steri-bottle and away you go.
Steri-bottle is not like other baby feeding bottles that need to be repeatedly washed and reused. This single-use product is ready to use, ensuring that your baby drinks from a brand-new, clean and hygienic bottle every time. Steri-bottle is 100% recyclable, BPA-free, and all packaging materials are recyclable, so Steri-bottle is not just great for your baby but it is also kind on the environment.
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This entry was posted
on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 at 5:00 pm and is filed under Baby and Child Health.
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