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As kids head back to school, it’s important for parents to keep potential asthma and allergy challenges in mind. “In the fall, allergists see an increase in kids’ visits for allergies and asthma because of a combination of factors,” said Dr. Todd Mahr, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “And hospitals see what’s known as the ‘September Spike’ because kids who have been off asthma controller medications for the summer start experiencing flare-ups in the fall.” As a new school year begins, kids are exposed to allergens in the classroom, on playing fields and in the cafeteria that many probably haven’t run into all summer, he said in an ACAAI news release. On top of that, it’s ragweed season — a terrible time of year for kids who are allergic. Mahr suggests parents meet with their child’s allergist this month to create an allergy action plan. Parents should also try to identify potential asthma and allergy triggers that their children may encounter at school. These may include chemical compounds from new carpeting, pollen drifting into classrooms through open windows, or mold in bathrooms. Parents should discuss potential triggers with teachers and school administrators to help ease symptoms. Children with asthma or allergies should still be able to play any sport as long as they follow their allergist’s advice, according to… read on >

If you’re a runner, the wrong running shoe could sideline you, a foot expert says. Choose carefully, or you risk discomfort, pain and injuries such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, irritated nerves or the loss of a toenail, warned Dr. Christina Rowe-Bauer, a podiatrist with Penn State Health Sports Medicine. If you’re new to running or an experienced runner with foot or leg pain, see a doctor to learn about your general health, foot type and running style. “Bring old athletic shoes; the wear patterns can give the doctor clues about things like foot overpronation (rolling inward) or supination (rolling outward),” Rowe-Bauer said in a Penn State news release. “Be honest about any pain experienced during or after running.” When it comes time to buy shoes, there are certain factors you should consider, such as foot type, running style and terrain, she suggested. Are your feet high-arched, flat or neutral? What is your running style? Some runners strike the ground first with the heel and roll through to push off the toes to their next stride, while others strike first with the forefoot and push immediately into the next stride. And, finally, what type of surface are you running on? Shoe tread and cushioning should be appropriate for the surface, whether it’s treadmills, asphalt or dirt trails, Rowe-Bauer said. When buying shoes, do… read on >

(HealthDay News) — Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar is too low, says the Hormone Health Network. People with diabetes often develop hypoglycemia, but it is possible for people without diabetes to become hypoglycemic, as well. It’s a good idea to discuss your diet with a doctor or dietician, who may suggest limiting high-sugar foods, eating every three hours and varying the type of foods eaten. Eating or drinking carbohydrates in the form of juice, tablets or hard candy may be a quick, effective treatment. Be sure to check with your doctor.

(HealthDay News) — A bruise typically forms when small blood vessels near the skin’s surface break from an injury, says Mayo Clinic. Blood then leaks from the vessels, appearing as a black-and-blue mark. Some people are more prone to bruising than others. Bruising easily may be triggered by: Gender and age-related factors. Aspirin and other medications that affect clotting. Use of corticosteroid medication. Dietary supplements, such as ginkgo. Sometimes, bruising easily can indicate a serious blood-clotting condition. Mayo Clinic urges people to see a doctor if bruising is frequent or sudden, or if there is a family history of bruising easily.

Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can lead to unhealthy post-pregnancy weight for moms, and a higher risk of obesity and related conditions in their children. But not gaining enough weight has consequences, too. Historical studies on children born during times of famine show they have twice the risk as the general population of developing schizophrenia and other mental illnesses involving psychotic episodes. Recent research done in Sweden found that extremely inadequate weight gain carries the same elevated risk even in well-fed populations. Other risks include babies who are born premature or underweight. So just how much weight gain in pregnancy is “just right”? Current recommendations are based on a woman’s pre-pregnancy weight and tend to be higher for women at a lower body mass index (or BMI), an indicator of body fat. The Institute of Medicine recommends that underweight women gain between 27 and 40 pounds, and that overweight women only gain between 15 and 25 pounds during pregnancy. Keeping weight gain in these suggested ranges should also help limit the amount of “baby weight” a woman will need to lose after delivery to get back to a healthy weight. Work with your doctor on the right amount for you to gain and the best food sources to ensure a healthy diet that benefits you and your baby. Keep in mind that mom’s weight… read on >

Video games carry labels with an age-related rating, typically based on the level of violence, strong language and sexual content. But that’s not the only guideline to consider. An industry group called the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) sets the ratings. Look closely at the video game box or information on a game app and you’ll also find “content descriptors.” There are 30 in all. These are more specific details about what led to the game’s rating — from the amount of blood and gore, to sex, to substances like alcohol and drugs. Also look for mention of “interactive elements.” These are additional game features, such as a player’s ability to interact with other players, and purchase goods and services through the game or app. You should consider interactive elements and content descriptors as carefully as age appropriateness when deciding if a game is right for your child. The content descriptors, in particular, give you an idea of what your child will see during the game. Sampling of Content Descriptors: Alcohol reference Drug reference Intense violence Nudity Real gambling Sexual violence Tobacco use According to studies done in the United States and in the United Kingdom, one of the most under-reported content descriptors is smoking. In one survey, researchers found that only 8% of games that featured smoking carried the tobacco descriptor. The U.S. Surgeon… read on >

(HealthDay News) — Sometimes, dietary supplements can do more harm than good, warns the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Before taking a dietary supplement, the FDA recommends: Be wary of products claiming a “quick fix.” Know the side effects, especially if you’re having surgery in the near future. Find out if the supplement may interact with your medications. Check with a doctor before using a supplement. If you believe you are having an adverse reaction to a dietary supplement, visit a doctor and report the issue to the FDA.

Exercise has many health benefits for boys, ranging from a lower chance of obesity to improved self-esteem. It may also reduce risk-taking behaviors. However, some sports come with cautions, especially those with weight classes that could lead to excessive dieting or even anorexia. Sometimes boys may simply not eat enough calories to make up for all they burn. Intended or not, inadequate nutrition can affect their development. Whereas girls may miss their periods, concerns like hormonal changes and weak bones are harder to see in boys. Long-distance running and cycling have been linked to these issues. A doctor’s evaluation is important if you see signs for concern. If there is a problem, your son might benefit from a team approach that addresses his medical, nutritional and possible psychological issues. The team can also determine how best to continue to participate in sports. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends these professionals, rather than a child’s coach, to treat weight gain or loss. Running, as a weight-bearing exercise and not done at an endurance level, can be good for bone development, but other sports may be just as good or even better for overall and bone health. One study found that soccer is great because its varied movements — such as sprinting, jumping, and fast changes in direction — stimulate bone growth. Research has also found that… read on >

Exercise is essential for girls, but problems can occur if they take in too few calories. Young females who eat too little risk menstrual irregularity, weak bones and eating disorders. Among high school girls, only 1% have all three issues, but between 16% and 54% have one of them, and that increases the risk for developing the others. In terms of eating issues, some sports are riskier than others — namely those that involve endurance or weight-classes and those that emphasize appearance, especially thinness. Focusing on one sport only from an early age, having a difficult family life, and a pattern of dieting are other risk factors. Your daughter’s pre-participation physical should include screening questions to help identify potential problems early on. But pediatricians don’t always recognize these issues. So parents should keep a watchful eye. What are the red flags? When she worries about her weight. When her weight influences how she feels about herself. When she carefully controls the amount of food she eats, and diets to meet physical requirements for her sport. Physical signs of calorie restriction include missed periods, which is linked to low bone mineral density and the risk for stress fractures. The first goal in resolving the situation is increasing calories for overall health. Rebalancing exercise expenditure and dietary intake can help a girl return to a normal weight… read on >

Women who keep moving during pregnancy may have infants with more advanced motor skills, a small study suggests. Researchers discovered the difference among 1-month-olds: Those whose moms got regular aerobic exercise during pregnancy tended to have stronger movement skills, versus babies whose mothers did not. The movement tests included things like head turning, said researcher Linda May, an associate professor at East Carolina University, in Greenville, N.C. What’s the significance of those first motor skills? According to May, past research has suggested that infants who are quicker in developing motor skills are more likely to be “movers” as kids. So, it’s possible that exercise during pregnancy might make for more active children. May and her colleagues reported their findings in the August issue of the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Long gone are the days when pregnant women were advised to stay off their feet. Experts now recommend that, unless there are medical reasons not to, women should get regular moderate-intensity exercise throughout pregnancy. That, May said, means activity that’s vigorous enough to get the heart rate up and blood flowing — but not so intense that you’re breathless and can’t have a conversation. A brisk walk, swimming, a ride on a stationary bike, or a low-impact aerobics class would all fit the bill. Studies have found many benefits of exercise during… read on >

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All Sauce from Weekly Gravy:

For Kids With Asthma, Allergies, New School Year Can Bring Flare-Ups

Choose Your Running Shoes Carefully

Health Tip: Living With Hypoglycemia

Health Tip: If You Bruise Easily

Pregnancy Weight Gain: What’s Right for You?

Another Video Game Risk to Watch Out For

Health Tip: Taking Dietary Supplements

Health Cautions for Young Male Athletes

Is Your Daughter, the Athlete, Eating Enough?

Could Exercise in Pregnancy Boost Baby’s Health, Too?