The stress-reducing effects of art in pediatric health care: art preferences of healthy children and hospitalized children Eisen, S. L., Ulrich, R. S., Shepley, M. M., Varni, J. W., Sherman, S. Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000 Art is assumed to possess therapeutic benefits of healing for children, as part of patient-focused design in health care. Since the psychological and physiological well-being of children in health care settings is extremely important in contributing to the healing process, it is vitally important to identify what type of art supports stress reduction. Based on adult studies, nature art was anticipated to be the most preferred and to have stress-reducing effects on pediatric patients. Nature art refers to art images dominated by natural vegetation, flowers or water. The objective of this study was to investigate what type of art image children prefer, and what type of art image has potentially stress-reducing effects on children in hospitals. This study used a three-phase, multi-method approach with children aged 5—17 years: a focus group study (129 participants), a randomized study (48 participants), and a quasi-experimental study design (48 participants). Findings were evaluated from three phases. Fear in children with cancer: observations at an outpatient visit Anderzen Carlsson, A., Sorlie, V., Gustafsson, K., Olsson, M., Kihlgren, M. Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000 The aim of the study was to describe interactions within the family and between them and professionals on a routine visit at a paediatric oncology outpatient clinic where the visiting child was likely to be fearful. Observations were performed. Data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. The behaviours most frequently observed as expressing fear were being quiet, withdrawn or providing detailed descriptions of experiences. Within the theme `Recognition of the fear', an attentive attitude to the fear was traced; fear was confirmed and cooperation was seen. Although many efforts were made to meet the fear, this was not always successful. Within the theme `Lack of attention to the fear', the fear was not in focus due to parental worries and concerns about the child's health, and organizational disturbances. The results can serve as a basis for collegial reflections of how to handle fear in children with cancer.
NPR Topics: Children's Health
As Kids Grow Older, Egalitarianism Honed Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:42:00 -0400 A study in Nature shows that egalitarianism begins to appear in most kids between ages 3 and 8. Scientists who studied 229 Swiss children found that at age 3, 9 percent were willing to share candy with another person. But by age 8, that number rose to 45 percent. Treating Iraqi Children For PTSD Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:35:00 -0400 The war in Iraq has had a severe impact on the country's children. More than 650 children were reported killed there last year. Iraq's children also have been the victims of kidnapping, torture and rape. A clinic for children suffering post-traumatic stress disorder is opening this month in Baghdad. Should Babies Get Own Plane Section? Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0400 10,000 people voted to create a separate section for parents with babies and small children on the bargain fare Web site, Airfare Watchdog.com. The Web site's creator discusses the feasibility of such an idea.
Ask the Expert - Dr. Alan Greene - Various articles by Dr. Greene that discuss nutrition and feeding issues from infants to teens.
Babies and Allergies - Article from Suite101.com on what signs to look for and how to avoid or detect food allergies.
Meta Description: [ Babies and allergies don't mix. Read what to look for and how to avoid allergies. ]
500DHADoc.com - Dr. William Sears recommends DHA, a fatty acid in breast milk, for optimal mental and visual development of infants.
Meta Description: [ Dr. William Sears, author of The Baby Book, introduces DHADOC.com. Provides up-to-date information on the importance of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) as well as ARA (arachidonic acid) in nutrition for infants, children, pregnant and lactating women and other adults. ]
Food Safety for Mothers and Babies - Factsheet from Clemson University gives guidelines for safe food handling for babies, and storing breast milk, formula and food.
Infant and Toddler Nutrition - Articles, advice and related links.
Meta Description: [ Find tips, resources, and expert advice on how to keep your kids healthy, and how to care for them when they're sick. ]
Infant Nutrition - Discusses the composition of breast milk and various types of formula.
International Association of Infant Food Manufacturers - Represents 17 members including both national and international which manufacture and market infant foods.
Meta Description: [ IFM.net is brought to you by the International Association of Infant Food Manufacturers and provides current information on milks, weaning foods, child health, food safety, and industry issues. ]
404Quaker Toddlers - Features toddler nutrition, parenting information, fun ideas for kid's activities, and recipes. Resource provided by The Quaker Oats Company.
Meta Description: [ The Quaker Toddler site features toddler nutrition, parenting information, fun ideas for kid's activities, recipes and more. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter customized to your child's age. ]
Soy Based Infant Formula - Article on phytoestrogens and soy-based infant formula from the British Medical Journal.
Meta Description: [ Search for the most recent journal editorials, review articles, consensus or policy statements, updates, guidelines, protocols, meta-analysis and evidence-based-medicine evaluations. ]
Toddler Food Guide - An adapted food pyramid for toddlers. Includes a sample menu plan.
Meta Description: [ Is your toddler testing your patience when it comes to eating? Refusing foods, eating the same food day in and day out and taking what seems like forever to finish a meal? These are all part of normal toddler development. ]
Wellstart International - Works to improve mother and infant nutrition world-wide by providing education to perinatal healthcare providers and services to breastfeeding families. Programs and publications.
Meta Description: [ Wellstart International is a non-profit organization in San Diego dedicated
to optimal mother and infant nutrition world-wide and is funded by charitable contributions. ]
WIC - Women, Infants and Children - Mission is to support low-income women and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, support for women who breastfeed, and referrals to health care.
