Children's Health Topics Resources (02)

What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the body’s inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the major sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells that line the small intestine. This enzyme breaks down milk sugar into two simpler forms called glucose and galactose, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. This site also discusses how to balance lactose intolerance with nutrition and eating healthy foods, and how lactose intolerance can be treated.

What You Need to Know about Secondhand Smoke and Your Child
Secondhand smoke is comprised of the smoke from a burning cigarette and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. It is known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), and is recognized easily by its distinctive odor. ETS contaminates the air and is retained in clothing, curtains and furniture, which is why many people find it unpleasant. It’s also not healthy for children, because it can affect fetuses and newborns, as well as children’s lungs and respiratory tracts. In addition to causing cancer, it affects the brain and ears of children, so it’s important to avoid it for people of all ages, especially kids.

Could Your Baby be Lactose Intolerant?
Although it is common for adults and children over four or five to be somewhat intolerant of milk because of the lactose content, most babies are not affected by this popular condition. Still, parents should be aware of kids and how they react to dairy products. If they get loose stools and stomach pains after drinking milk, you should consult a doctor. And if your breastfed baby is unsettled with lots of watery or frothy stools, you should also check with your doctor to see if the child may have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance.

Why Your Kid Needs Physical Activity
Physical inactivity has become a serious problem in the U.S. today. More than half of U.S. adults do not meet recommended levels of moderate physical activity, and one-fourth engage in no leisure time physical activity at all, according to this site. That’s why it discusses why physical activity is important, with an emphasis on the growing problem of childhood obesity, which includes more children overweight than ever before. Actually, 20 percent of kids are over the recommended weight for their individual height. More information and kids obesity statistics are included.