Here is what's happening in the world of kiddos:

• Child playing = less anxiety in teen years

• Caffeine Drinks ➡ less sleep and poor health

• Vaping is still smoking tobacco 🚭

• Summer fun 🏊‍♀️🥽🥽

Mental health issues are linked to many causes. One particular study showed an association with lack of independent play in childhood and increasing anxiety in teenagers. It has been emphasized for years that children need independent play and not so much scheduled activities. This push was more for independent growth and creativity. However, we now see that these children experience more anxiety, likely due to inability to independently solve problems. Unfortunately, child safety without supervision, increased school work and increased competition with organized sports contribute to the decline of independent play. Try having one hour of free play daily for your child. There is no such thing as boredom.

Coffee and energy drinks seem to be part of our daily lives now, but we need to consider the impact it has on our children’s health. Research shows negative impact in children. The consequences range from cardiac problems to affects on the developing brain of adolescents. Also linked is sleep disturbance, increased risk of alcohol use, smoking and other drugs. Unfortunately, our children are being exposed to energy drinks as young as 12 years old and our middle school children are buying coffee in the mornings. Healthy diet can help our children naturally gain energy and not need these supplements.

Vaping has become more popular among teens. This has lead to increased tobacco use in this age group. Even though advertised as a safer product, it still has nicotine and creates a habit forming quality. Vaping products are attractive with the various flavors and claims of less nicotine and more water. However, incidences of respiratory issues is on the rise among youths who vape. You aren’t smoking for decades to get cancer later. We are seeing health issues immediately. Other effects include high blood pressure and also impact on the developing brain of the adolescent - interfering with memory and attention. This too can be seen in young as middle school age.

Summer is approaching and many of us will be at the pool or the beach. Drowning risks can be prevented. Drowning can occur in bathtubs and small ponds too. Best prevention is education. Make sure your child knows not to go into any type of water without an adult and start water skills lesson at 1 yrs old. Always make sure there is a designated parent watching as sometimes we think others are watching and they think we are watching- announce the designated supervisor!

🚨RECALLS AND ALERTS🚨

• Children’s necklace

• Plush toy

• Rollerblades

• Children’s Helmet

• Children’s Fishing Rod

• Children’s Robes

• Children’s Sleepwear

• All Purpose Flour

• Greek Yogurt

Dear Dr. Bhumi,

Our 22 month old girl has cold hands and feet when we pick her up from day care. At home her hands and feet are a normal temperature. For school, we dress her in leggings, short sleeve shirt, socks, and sneakers. We keep our home at 73 degrees, and the classroom seems to be warmer than that. Could it be because she is less active at school than at home? Should we dress her in warmer clothes? Or is this nothing to be concerned with? Thank you!!

Dear Reader, many children and adults will have cold hands and feet for various reasons. Medical concerns would arise if you notice the cold hands and feet persistently, rewarming causing discomfort, blueness around the mouth, or respiratory problems. Since your daughter does not seem uncomfortable and you note normal temperature when home, the causes are likely due to her environment. Let’s take a look at some reasons. First, our body parts warm by circulation of our blood. Children naturally have lower blood pressure so the heart pumps less aggressively and since our hands and feet are the furthest from our heart, they will be the first to feel cold. When our body is less active, the circulation is slower so hands and feet may be cold. When we eat, the blood flows more to the GI system so less to the extremities. When we are concentrating or problem solving, circulation flow is concentrated to the brain so again less to the extremities. So could your daughter have been napping or snacking prior to pick up? Could she have been focusing on some puzzles or toy? There is no need to dress her any differently since she is comfortable and her body regulates on its own. Please have your pediatrician examine her if you notice persistent cold hands and feet, fevers, fussiness, respiratory problems, fatigue, or poor appetite. Hope this helps!

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