3 early warning signs to discuss with pediatricians

(Anja Greiner Adam)

Three studies have emerged to alert parents of warning signs that may lead to long-term health effects and possibly new opportunities to counteract alcoholism, obesity and developmental delays.

On February 15, researchers at Seattle Children's Research Institute, pediatric medical research center, announced finding a correlation between flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly) and developmental delay. The research is new and recommends parents who notice a portion of their infant's (0-6 months) back of the head is flat should visit their pediatrician for a routine cognitive and motor skills screening, make an effort to keep the baby active during the day and not in a head resting state. It is unclear if the link between flat heads and delayed motor skills is long lasting. http://www.seattlechildrens.org/videos/positional-plagiocephaly-developmental-delay/ (video) http://www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/chromosomal-genetic-conditions/positional-plagiocephaly/

Researchers on February 11 in Clinical Pediatrics, a practice-based journal, found that there is time frame when parents can ward of childhood obesity. According to the study, Identifying the "Tipping Point" Age for Overweight Pediatric Patients, the most important stage of life is the very beginning, as earlier as three months and before two years. Parents can monitor their child's weight and consult pediatricians to ensure their child is in the correct weight percentile and find active measures to prevent excessive weight gain. http://cpj.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/0009922809359418v1

Addiction, an international peer-reviewed research journal, published a new study on February 9, proving a connection between children with a penchant for intense sugar and those with a family history of alcoholism and self-diagnosed depression. The research needs further analysis of how sweets, depression and alcoholism may play out later in life but parents can use this sign by noting children's tastes and open up a dialogue about depression and alcoholism - it could make an impact. http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/123278067/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0