Low Serotonin levels cause SIDS

At last! Researchers may have solved the mystery of what causes some babies die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Levels of serotonin, which regulate a baby’s sleep, heart rate and breathing, were 26 percent lower in the brainstems of babies who died of SIDS than in those of babies who died of other causes, the study says.

Serotonin normally helps babies respond to high carbon-dioxide levels during sleep by helping them wake up and shift their head position to get fresh air.

Currently, there is no test to determine which infants may be at risk for SIDS. To avoid the risk of SIDS, parents should make sure that babies can breathe uninhibited during sleep: Place babies on their backs to avoid their rolling over, don’t over-bundle the baby, and don’t leave loose bedding or stuffed toys in the crib.

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Too much sitting?

Everyone knows that exercise is good for you. For decades, scientists have studied the benefits of moving your body. But what about the opposite end of the activity spectrum: the many hours we spend sitting?

According to an article posted on USAToday.com, too much sitting is not the same as too little exercise.

“The body’s idling state is very, very unhealthy,” says James Levine, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. “Much like a Ferrari, the human is meant to move.”

Several studies show:
~ Every hour spent watching TV (an activity that usually involves sitting) was associated with an 18% increase in heart disease deaths.

~ The more people sat, for any reason, the more likely they were to die of heart disease within 12 years — even if they were slim and exercised regularly.

Bottom line? Sitting kills.

But exactly how much time in a recliner or office chair is dangerous? Scientists can’t say yet. Though study results are coming in quickly, “we’re a long way from having the volume of scientific evidence we would ideally have before issuing a set of guidelines,” says Russell Pate, an exercise physiologist at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.

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Grand Opening of Kid’s Fit 4 Real

You’re invited to the

Kid’s Fit 4 Real Grand Opening

Wednesday February 3, 2010
4:00-7:00 p.m.

Physical exercise classes for kids ages 5-13.

We are a family owned business with the heart and passion that will take your child from being “at risk” to being “Fit 4 Real!” With the obesity rate steady on the rise in our country as well as in our city, kid’s need a place to go that will cater to their specific needs. Kid’s Fit 4 Real is that place!

Our goal is to raise self-esteem, build confidence and educate kids on the importance of living a healthy life. Our mission is Building healthy bodies…..One Child at a Time!

Open registration begins January 18.

Kid’s Fit 4 Real
3601 Hilton Avenue Suite 118
(Hilton on the Square)
Columbus, GA 31904
706.718.6363
info@kidsfit4real.com

Toxic Metal in Kids’ Jewelry From China (NYTimes.com)

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: January 10, 2010
Filed at 11:25 p.m. ET

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Barred from using lead in children’s jewelry because of its toxicity, some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting the more dangerous heavy metal cadmium in sparkling charm bracelets and shiny pendants being sold throughout the United States, an Associated Press investigation shows.

The most contaminated piece analyzed in lab testing performed for the AP contained a startling 91 percent cadmium by weight. The cadmium content of other contaminated trinkets, all purchased at national and regional chains or franchises, tested at 89 percent, 86 percent and 84 percent by weight. The testing also showed that some items easily shed the heavy metal, raising additional concerns about the levels of exposure to children.

A spokesman for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which regulates children’s products, said Sunday that the agency ”is opening an investigation” and ”will take action as quickly as possible to protect the safety of children.”

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