Omega 6 fats are found in vegetables, seeds, grains and their oils as well as in animals fed these products. They are necessary, but we consume far too much of them. The dramatic increase in dietary omega 6 fatty acids has come mostly from the intake of processed foods. These foods contain large amounts of soy and corn oil, sources of omega 6 fatty acids. Unfortunately, these fats are the precursors for the immune system’s inflammatory cascade. The final result is an increase in disease burden through increased inflammation.

Omega 3 fats are found in fish, grass, almonds, flax and wild game meats. They are precursors to EPA and DHA, two fatty acids that our bodies utilize for brain and immune system function. Omega 3 fatty acids compete and reduce the harmful excessive omega 6 end products. Diets rich in omega 3 foods are associated with decreased cardiovascular morbidity, post partum depression, reduced neuropsychiatric disease morbidity and improved eye health. Looking at this list of foods, it is likely that your child does not get enough of these important EFA’s.

Inflammation in our bodies is essential for normal healing processes, such as a sprained ankle or infection control. However, balance is the key to health and wellness. Excessive dietary omega 6 fatty acids are analogous to a tank of gasoline waiting around for a fire(disease) to feed and burn out of control. Inflammation is likely a root cause of most of our chronic diseases in children and adults. Therefore, a balanced essential fatty acid makeup in our diet will result in better brain and immune function while decreasing abnormal inflammation.

The take home message is to limit processed foods and try to get your omega 6 fats from whole foods, not their oils. Practically, this means avoiding fried foods, most commercially produced meats, snack foods made with soy, corn and other seed oils. If you prefer to eat meat, eat it sparingly and eat grass fed varieties that are hormone and antibiotic free.

Parenting is a life long responsibility. Educate your children by example and through love. Teach them to eat for life and wellness. As always, love your child, love your child and then love them some more all while parenting them.

Safe Sleeping Rules for Infants

- Do not sleep in the same bed with your baby. Use a crib, bassinet or playpen designed for babies. Do not allow your baby's older brothers or sisters to sleep with your baby.

- Do not fall asleep with your baby on a couch. Your baby may get wedged between the back of the couch and the larger person's body, or your baby's head may become buried in cushion crevices or soft cushions.

- Do not place your baby on a free-floating, wavy waterbed or similar surface in which the baby could suffocate.

- Do not place your sleeping baby on pillows, cushions, sofas or loose bedding.

- Keep excess bedding, toys, stuffed animals and pillows out of the crib while baby sleeps.

- Do not cover your baby's face with blankets while your baby is sleeping.

Pet Hazards in the Home - Harmful Foods

You should never let your dogs or cats eat any of these foods. Be sure to store them where your pets can’t find them.

Avocados
Chocolate (all forms)
Coffee (all forms)
Onions & onion powder
Garlic
Grapes
Raisins
Macadamia nuts
Alcoholic beverages
Moldy/spoiled foods
Salt
Fatty foods
Gum, candies, or other foods
sweetened with xylitol
Tea leaves
Raw yeast dough

Drug companies: No cold medicines for kids under 4

WASHINGTON (AP) - Drug companies say children under 4 should not be given cough and cold medicines.

The industry has been criticized by pediatricians for marketing over-the- counter cough and cold remedies for children under 6 despite a lack of evidence that they work, and reports of safety problems.

A spokeswoman for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association said Tuesday the decision was voluntary and was being made "out of an abundance of caution."

The companies will also add a warning to their product labels saying parents should not give young children antihistamines to make them sleepy. Antihistamines are used to relieve allergies.

Government health officials said last week the issue needed additional study.

Mosquitoes can spread illness; protect yourself from bites

RALEIGH –Sentinel chicken flocks maintained by local governments and the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are showing an increase in mosquito-borne viruses that can make people and animals sick. These birds are showing an increase in Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) activity from mosquito bites. Four horses have also been reported with EEE.

To avoid human illness, Public Health officials are urging North Carolinians to take simple steps to prevent mosquito bites and to reduce mosquito breeding conditions around the home.

“Recent rainfall in some parts of the state, along with the warm summer weather, provides ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Jeff Engel. “Mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance – they can also make people seriously ill. Now is the time to fight the bite!”

Exposure to mosquitoes can be limited by wearing long- sleeved shirts and long pants and by using insect repellant, Engel said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several repellant ingredients against mosquitoes – DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.However, oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years old, says the CDC. Engel reminded consumers to look for products that contain the CDC-recommended ingredients and to carefully read and follow all label instructions.

Another key to avoiding bites is reducing the numbers of mosquitoes around people’s homes, according to Dr. Nolan Newton, chief of DENR’s Public Health Pest Management Section.

“You can make your backyard a whole lot less mosquito- friendly by getting rid of any containers that hold water. That will take away mosquito breeding grounds,” Newton said.

“Take a good look at your yard to spot potential problem areas,” he said. “Things like bird baths, old tires, planters, toys and even small containers like tin cans can give mosquitoes a place to thrive. Cover rain barrels with tight-fitting screening and clean out birdbaths at least twice a week.”

For additional information regarding mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illness, go to the following websites: www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/phpm and www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/arbov irus, or search for “mosquito” on the CDC site at www.cdc.gov or the N.C. Public Health site at www.ncpublichealth.com.