Pediatrix

As a pediatrician in Phoenix, I often see children drinking sports drinks.  What’s shocking to me is that these drinks often contain more than twice the recommended daily sugar for an adult!  This is just one example of a growing epidemic of including too much sugar in a child’s diet.  It is important to understand the impact a child’s sugar intake has on their weight and overall health. When making nutritional choices, parents should keep in mind that calories from sugar add up quickly and over time can lead to weigh gain and other severe health issues.

Let’s differentiate between natural sugar and added sugar.  Natural sugar is found in unprocessed items exactly as they would be found in nature, such as the sugar in a strawberry.  Added sugar is any additional sugar that is added to foods during preparation.  Sugar additives and sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, and fructose are frequently added as a preservative in processed foods.  Do not be misled—even foods that do not taste sweet have these ingredients.  For instance, many varieties of crackers contain high fructose corn syrup although you would not classify them as sugary foods.

There are three main sources of sugar in a child’s diet.  Soda and sports drinks can contribute up to 30% of added sugar intake for your child.  Obvious sweets like cake, cookies, and ice cream are the second source of sugar in your child’s diet.  Both of these sources of sugar are fairly obvious, but it takes a very savvy consumer to recognize the third.  Through hidden sugar sources you may be unknowingly adding a significant amount of sugar into your child’s diet. Often advertised as healthy, items like granola bars, yogurt, trail mix, and soy milk mislead consumers about their sugar content.  Therefore, it is imperative that you read nutrition labels as well as the list of ingredients on a product.  The closer sugar is to the beginning of the list, the more sugar there is the food product.

The World Health Organization recommends that less than 10% of calories in a diet should come from added sugar.  Obviously, the most foolproof way of directing your child to healthy snacks is to provide them only healthy choices.  To curb your child’s sweet tooth, start by replacing some of their mid-day sweets with natural sugar and an item high in protein, like strawberries and a cheese stick.  The natural sweetness of the fruit will help curb their taste for sugar, while the protein in the cheese stick will leave them feeling fuller for longer, reducing the temptation to eat a sugary snack a few minutes later.

Desserts and treats can still be enjoyed—but in moderation.  A healthy diet is all about balance. Completely eliminating all sugar from a diet is unrealistic, but providing and encouraging healthy meals and snacks, teaching good eating habits, and saving sweets for special occasions will benefit your child’s health significantly.

If you are concerned about your child’s sugar intake or weight, please contact your pediatrician at Pediatrix.  Make an appointment to discuss healthy nutrition options for your child.

Sincerely,

Subir K. Mitra, MD, FAAP

While children are writing their lists to Santa, parents are writing out their holiday gift list. While your child may ask for a specific toy, it may be hazardous to their health. Just because a toy is on the market does not guarantee it is safe—it is your job as a parent to be an educated consumer.

Here is a SAFE TOYS acronym to help parents select appropriate toys:

• Small Pieces – If you have young children, avoid toys with small parts. A general rule of thumb is if your child is younger than three, do not purchase toys with pieces smaller than an empty toilet paper roll.
  
• Appropriate Content – Be mindful of the age of the child receiving the gift. From video game violence to the content of a book series, take into account the child’s perspective and how the material will be received.
• Flying Objects – Toy planes and model rockets can be a lot of fun if used correctly and under proper supervision. When used incorrectly they have the potential to cause serious damage and injuries.
• Electrical Toys – Toys that plug in put your child at risk of electrical shock and burns. Select battery operated models instead. Just remember that batteries are small pieces.
• Toxic Chemicals – Children’s toys have been found to contain dangerous levels of chemicals of concern such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. Research toys before purchasing to ensure their safety.
• Open Packages – Never purchase a toy if the package has been opened or tampered with.
• “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid” – Remember Ralphie from the classic movie, A Christmas Story, who wants a BB gun for Christmas? From BB guns to Nerf guns, these toys do have the potential to cause harm. If a child does receive a gift that ‘shoots,’ remind them that it should never be aimed at anyone’s head, younger children, or pets.
• Sharp edges – avoid toys that have sharp edges or the potential to cause abrasions. Parents should also be careful when opening packaging, as this too can be dangerous.

Keeping your family safe and healthy should always remain a priority. Please contact Pediatrix if you have any specific holiday health concerns for your child.

Pediatrix offers resources on safety recalls to ensure that your child’s toys are safe year-round.

Pediatrix physicians are available after office hours during the week and on weekends and holidays. If you have a non-urgent matter, please schedule an appointment during normal business hours. To contact the physician on call, please call (602) 866-0550.

Have a safe holiday season.
Subir K. Mitra, MD