What can cause joint pains in children?

When a child complains of joint or leg pains, parents or caregivers may be concerned. Usually, the discomfort will simply be growing pains that will go away on their own. However, people should be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate something more serious.

Growing pains are a common cause of leg pain in children. These pains are muscle aches that can occur in the thighs, behind the knees, or the calves.

Other possible causes of leg pain that may be more serious can include juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA), lupus, Lyme disease, and leukemia.

In this article, we look at what we commonly refer to as 'growing pains,' what they are, and how people can treat them at home. We also cover other possible causes of joint pains in children and when to see a doctor.

What are growing pains?

Research suggests that more than 30 percent of school children experience chronic musculoskeletal pain. In around half of these children, the pain is due to growing pains.

Growing pains most often occur during a child's preschool and preteen years, and they usually disappear by their teenage years. These pains are harmless and are not a sign of a serious condition.

Growing pains typically occur in the thigh and calf muscles or behind the knees, but sometimes can also happen in the arms. Children with these types of youthful pains may experience cramps or aches that can range from mild to severe.

Characteristics of growing pains may include:

·         they occur in the evening or night and typically resolving by morning

·         they are severe enough to wake a child from sleep

·         they usually affect both legs rather than one

·         they happen intermittently or several nights in a row

·         they are often accompanied by headaches or abdominal pain

People used to think that growing pains were the result of the bones growing during growth spurts. However, doctors no longer believe this to be the case, as there is no evidence that growth causes pain.

Growing pains may simply be aches that result from children running, jumping, and climbing while playing, during the day.

Growing pains may also be related to other factors, such as fatigue, restless leg syndrome, low pain tolerance, or even vitamin D deficiency.

How to ease growing pains

There is no specific treatment for growing pains. However, the following home remedies can help ease a child's discomfort:

•  A warm bath. Bathing in warm water, especially before bedtime, can help reduce aches and pains and promote sleep.
• Massaging. Gently massaging or rubbing the affected area can make the child feel better. Merely holding or cuddling the child may also help.
• Stretching. Gently stretching the calves and thighs during the day may ease or prevent symptoms. However, stretching exercises may be challenging for younger children. Ask a doctor what types of exercises are best.
• Warmth. Try applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the affected area. Make sure these are not too hot and take care to protect the child's skin from burning. Do not use these items during sleep.
•  Painkillers. Over-the-counter (OTC) medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help relieve aches and pains on an occasional basis.

People should not give aspirin to children. Doctors do not recommend aspirin for children, as they have linked it with a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.

Other causes of joint pain in children

Joint pains in children can sometimes be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, including:

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

If a child frequently complains of joint pain, then juvenile idiopathic arthritis or JIA may be the cause.

JIA can cause pain and swelling in one or more joints. Unlike growing pains, it can also affect a child's movement or strength.

There are several different types of JIA and symptoms can vary, so it can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose. However, early diagnosis and treatment are vital because JIA can affect bone growth and lead to permanent complications.

Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that can affect nearly every organ in the body. Lupus is very uncommon in younger children, but becomes more common in the teenage years, especially in females.

Lupus causes many different symptoms including:

·         tiredness that continues after resting

·         pain, swelling, or stiffness in the joints

·         skin rashes, often on or around the nose

·         fever

·         hair loss

Lupus is a long-term condition, and symptoms can range in their severity. However, early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outlook.

Lyme disease

Insects called ticks can spread a bacterial infection known as Lyme disease. The ticks carry a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi that they pass onto people when they bite them. These ticks tend to live in grassy areas and woodlands in particular regions and feed on animals, such as mice and deer.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include:

·         a circular rash around a tick bite, sometimes known as a bull's-eye rash

·         fatigue

·         fever or chills

·         joint or muscle pain

·         facial paralysis

Anyone who lives or spends time in an area where Lyme disease occurs can become infected, but children who spend a lot of time playing outside are at greater risk.

To prevent Lyme disease, children should wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Parents or caregivers should also check the child's whole body for tick bites after they have played outdoors.

Following a tick bite, it can take up to 3 weeks for the rash to appear. Joint pain can sometimes be the first and only symptom in children.

Early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease are critical to prevent severe complications. Anyone who suspects an infected tick has bitten their child should see a doctor, as soon as possible.

Source: Medical News Today

What to know about babies and cold sores

Cold sores are common and relatively harmless in toddlers and children, but the cold sore virus can be dangerous for babies.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, many children will start to get cold sores by the age of 5. Newborns rarely get cold sores, but, when a baby who is less than 6 months old contracts the cold sore virus, it can have severe effects.

Babies can catch the cold sore virus through contact with a cold sore on another person. Therefore, people with a cold sore should avoid kissing babies or letting babies touch the sore.

If caregivers think that a baby may have come into contact with a cold sore, they should monitor the infant for any unusual behavior and contact a doctor to discuss the best course of action.

This article will take a close look at cold sores in newborns and infants, including the risks, treatment, and prevention.

What are cold sores?

Cold sores are tiny blisters that form on and around the lips, often at the edge. The blisters pop within a few days and turn into a crust. They disappear within a few weeks.

Cold sores are contagious and spread through close contact. This can include kissing and sharing cups, utensils, or towels.

When people get a cold sore, they may notice itching, tingling, or burning before the blisters become visible. Cold sores can spread at this stage, but they become most contagious when the blisters are visible.

The herpes simplex virus 1, known as HSV-1, is responsible for cold sores. This virus is similar to the virus that causes genital herpes, called HSV-2.

Can babies get cold sores?

It is rare for newborn babies to get a cold sore because they still have their mother's antibodies in their blood, which means that they share her immunity.

However, because the immune system of an infant under 6 months old will not yet be fully developed, if they do get a cold sore, this virus can have severe effects.

If a pregnant woman has genital herpes, the baby can get neonatal herpes through contact with fluids in the birth canal during vaginal delivery. This is the cause of almost 90 percent of neonatal cases, although babies can also contract the virus shortly after birth.

Babies can catch cold sores in two ways:

Vertical transmission. This occurs when the mother has genital herpes, and the infant catches the virus in the birth canal. This can happen even if the mother is not experiencing any symptoms. It is also possible for the infant to catch the disease through the placenta.

Horizontal transmission. This happens through contact after birth. People can be contagious without being aware and without visible symptoms. A kiss or a shared cup, toy, towel, or another object can all transmit the virus. The mother can also pass the infection to the newborn through breast milk.

Risks and complications

While a herpes infection is not usually harmful in older children, newborns and babies can experience complications.

When children get their first cold sore, the symptoms may be more severe and can include a fever, sore throat, and blisters that spread beyond the lips and into the mouth.

Early symptoms of herpes infection in a newborn include:

a low-grade fever, which is 100.4°F

poor feeding

one or more small skin blisters

A newborn may then experience more severe symptoms such as:

a high fever

seizures

lethargy or going floppy

Cold sores pose the highest risk to infants during the first weeks of their lives. The herpes virus can cause severe problems at this stage and may even be fatal if it spreads to the organs, including the eyes, brain, or lungs.

People should see their doctor immediately if they suspect that a baby has a herpes infection.

Treatment

Newborns who have developed herpes may need to spend 21 days in hospital receiving an intravenous antiviral medication.

For infants and children older than 4 weeks, no treatment is necessary. The cold sore should disappear on its own within a few weeks.

However, it is possible to manage cold sores by:

placing cold compresses on the blisters

taking pain relievers to minimize the discomfort

taking prescription antiviral medications in an ointment or pill form to speed up the healing process

It may also be beneficial for women with the virus to take prescription medication to avoid outbreaks of oral or genital herpes during pregnancy.

Once someone has contracted the herpes simplex virus, it will remain in their system for the rest of their life. Although there is no cure for the condition, children and adults can treat the symptoms when they arise.

How to prevent cold sores from spreading

It is not necessary for caregivers with cold sores to isolate themselves from babies, but they should avoid letting them come into contact with the sores. Once a cold sore turns scabby and dry, it is usually no longer contagious.

People with a cold sore can do the following to keep an infant safe:

washing the hands regularly and thoroughly, especially before touching the infant

covering the cold sore and not touching it, especially before or during contact with the infant

using separate towels, washcloths, cups, and utensils for the infant

avoiding kissing the infant

teaching older children to avoid kissing or sharing utensils or towels with people with cold sores

ensuring that infants and children do not rub their eyes if they have a cold sore

Outlook

Newborns do not often get cold sores. However, during the early weeks of their lives, contact with cold sores can be dangerous. Medical attention is necessary.

Older infants will experience cold sores in the same way as children and adults, although the first outbreak can be more severe.

Cold sores can be uncomfortable, but they are not serious and generally resolve within a few weeks.

Caregivers should take an infant to see a doctor if they are concerned about cold sores or related symptoms.

Source: Medical News Today

Does the oatmeal diet work for weight loss?

Many fad diets, including the oatmeal diet, are based around eating one type of food.

The oatmeal diet became popular online. It involves eating only or mostly oatmeal. In this article, learn whether the oatmeal diet is safe and effective.

What is the oatmeal diet?

Initially, the oatmeal diet involves eating oatmeal for all meals.

Online advocates have described several variations of the oatmeal diet. Most are divided into phases, such as:

Phase 1

The first phase of the oatmeal diet usually involves eating oatmeal for three meals a day.

The oats should be whole rather than instant because instant oats often include added sugar. Some people also include fruit in this phase.

Phase 2

The second phase of the diet involves eating oatmeal for three meals a day and adding one-half cup of fruit or raw vegetables to each meal.

Phase 3

During the third phase, a person can resume a regular, healthful diet, but one meal should involve oatmeal.

A person can add fruits, nuts, and natural flavorings to the oatmeal to enhance its flavor.

Proponents of the diet describe it as an easy, cheap, and effective way to lose weight. However, many risks are associated with eating only one type of food.

Potential benefits

Advocates of the diet claim that it provides the fiber, calories, and vitamins that a person needs to maintain energy while losing weight. However, the diet is dangerously restrictive.

Oatmeal is nutritious when a person eats it in moderation. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the United States, oats contain a type of fiber called beta-glucan, which can help to reduce cholesterol levels while strengthening the immune system.

Oatmeal is a good option for breakfast because it can help a person to feel full for a long time.

However, it does not provide the nutrients that a person needs on a daily basis. This makes the oatmeal diet a poor strategy for long-term weight loss.

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Does the oatmeal diet work?

Following the oatmeal diet would be challenging because it does not provide the calories that a person needs to feel energetic.

People on the diet may feel ill, nauseated, and tired.

Also, a person may be able to lose weight, but they will likely have difficulty keeping this weight off after they return to their regular eating habits.

Risks

Kidney stones are a potential risk of extreme diets.

The oatmeal diet is potentially harmful to a person's health. Like other fad diets that focus on a single type of food, the oatmeal diet is a highly unbalanced approach to nutrition.

The diet promises fast weight loss, but it does not ensure a person's safety. No research supports its use.

Other examples of fad diets include:

·         broth fasts

·         the cabbage diet

·         the grapefruit diet

·         juice fasts

·         liquid diets

·         protein-only diets

Like the oatmeal diet, these involve eating a very limited selection of foods, with no sustainable plan for maintaining weight loss in the long term.

Fad diets tend to make people feel hungry, lightheaded, and tired. They can also cause health problems and make existing conditions worse.

Possible risks of the oatmeal diet and other fad diets include:

·         difficulty maintaining weight loss

·         gout

·         kidney stones

·         an increased risk of chronic health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and cancers

Instead of trying a fad diet, a person should talk to a doctor or dietitian about effective weight-loss programs. A doctor can help a person to establish healthful targets.

A diet can help a person to lose weight if it includes a variety of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthful fats.

A person is also more likely to stick to a diet that is nutritious and varied, which will help them to keep the weight off in the long term.

Summary

The oatmeal diet and other fad diets can be dangerous. Also, they are usually ineffective for long-term weight loss.

While oatmeal can be a beneficial part of the diet, it is not healthful as a sole source of nutrients.

Instead, a person should aim to eat a variety of fresh, whole foods, while spending more time being physically active.

A well-rounded approach to weight loss will help a person to keep the weight off in the long term while feeling full and nourished.

Source : MedicalNewsToday

How does diet impact breast cancer risk?

Dietary habits are often said to sway the risk of cancer. Now, a large long-term study confirms the role played by a diet rich in fruits and vegetables in decreasing the risk of breast cancer.

Researchers ask whether a person's daily intake of fruits and vegetables can impact their breast cancer risk.

A major study published in The BMJ earlier this year showed that people who integrate a lot of ultra-processed foods into their diet have a higher risk of cancer.

What this might suggest is that eating a healthful diet might work, to some degree, in a protective way.

In the past, some studies have claimed that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables could lower a person's risk of breast cancer. Others, however, have argued that the evidence in favor of this association remains inconclusive.

But recently, a team of researchers from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA, has conducted a large-scale, long-term study investigating in more detail the relationship between fruits and vegetables in a person's diet and their risk of breast cancer.

This new study not only suggests that eating a lot of fruits and vegetables can lower breast cancer risk — and the risk of developing aggressive tumors, no less — but it also explains how much fruits and vegetables someone should ideally eat per day in order to offset risk.

"Although prior studies have suggested an association [between fruit- and vegetable-rich diets and cancer risk], they have been limited in power, particularly for specific fruits and vegetables and aggressive subtypes of breast cancer," notes first author Maryam Farvid.

"This research provides the most complete picture of the importance of consuming high amounts of fruit and vegetables for breast cancer prevention."

The study's findings can now be read in the International Journal of Cancer.

The importance of fruit and veg

Farvid and colleagues collected diet- and health-related data from female participants of two large population studies: 88,301 women from the Nurses' Health Study (which started in 1980), and 93,844 women form the Nurses' Health Study II (which began in 1991).

Data mapping the participants' dietary habits were collected via questionnaires filled in every 4 years, while information regarding other risk factors for breast cancer — including age, body weight, smoking habits, and a family history of cancer — was obtained through questionnaires submitted every couple of years.

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How important for your health is when you eat?

The researchers' analysis suggested that women who ate more than five and a half servings of fruits and vegetables daily had an 11 percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer, compared with women who ate two and half servings or under of fruits and vegetables.

Specifically, one serving consisted of one cup of raw leafy vegetables, half a cup of either raw or cooked vegetables, or half a cup of raw or cooked fruit.

Farvid and team also wanted to know whether eating fruits and vegetables was associated with different degrees of risk reduction in different types of breast cancer. To achieve this, they also conducted a differential data analysis, splitting cancer type by receptor status and molecular subtype.

Lowered risk of aggressive cancer tumors

The researchers were able to observe that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables appeared to be associated with a particularly lowered risk of developing aggressive types of cancer tumors, which grow and spread fast and are often resistant to traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy.

These include estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, HER2-enriched breast cancer, and basal-like cancers, which are similar to another aggressive tumor type: triple-negative.

Farvid and colleagues had already conducted a study indicating that high fiber intake was associated with a diminished risk of breast cancer. However, this study suggests that the protective effect associated with fruits and vegetables is independent of their fiber content.

So what does this mean? According to the researchers, this suggests that fruits and vegetables contain other nutrients, such as antioxidants, that may contribute to offsetting cancer risk.

"While a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is associated with many other health benefits, our results may provide further impetus for women to increase their intake of fruits and vegetables," says senior author Heather Eliassen.

Source : MedicalNewsToday

Are dates healthful?

Dates are high in natural sugar, so many people think they may not be good for them. However, these sweet fruits are packed with plenty of nutrients, making them an excellent snack in moderation.

Dates grow on date palms in small clusters. The term date comes from the Greek word daktulos, which means fingers.

Farmers harvest dates in the fall and early winter, so dates usually taste freshest at this time of year. However, many people eat dried dates, which can last for a long time in a sealed container.

In this article, learn about the health benefits of dates and how to incorporate them into a well-balanced diet.

Nutritional information

Dates are high in fiber and potassium.

Deglet Noor dates are one of the most common types of dates that people can find in the supermarket.

The following is the nutritional information for one average-sized Deglet Noor date:

·         calories: 20

·         total fat: 0.03 grams (g)

·         total carbohydrates: 5.33 g

·         dietary fiber: 0.6 g

·         sugar: 4.5 g

·         protein: 0.17 g

·         vitamin B-6: 0.012 milligrams (mg)

·         iron: 0.07 mg

·         magnesium: 3 mg

·         potassium: 47 mg

Another common variety is the Medjool date. Medjool dates have a similar nutritional content and are often larger than Deglet Noor dates.

Five benefits of eating dates

In addition to tasting great, dates contain protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also:

·                   High in polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds that can protect the body from inflammation. Dates contain more polyphenols than most other fruits and vegetables.

·                   Alternative to empty-calorie sweets. Dates can satisfy a person's sweet tooth while also providing essential nutrients, such as vitamin B-6 and iron.

·                   High in fiber. Just ¼ of a cup of dates provides 12 percent of a person's daily fiber requirement. Fiber helps a person feel fuller for longer.

·                   High in potassium. Dates are high in potassium, which is an electrolyte the body needs for good heart health. Potassium also helps to build muscle and proteins in the body.

·                   Great for substitutions. People can replace the sugar, chocolate chips, or candies in baking recipes with dates to ensure they are eating natural sugars instead of refined sugars.

How to get more iron from the diet

Learn about more foods high in iron here.

Risks and considerations

Dates have a very high sugar content relative to the rest of their nutritional value. People who are trying to manage their blood sugar, such as those with diabetes, should be mindful of their total sugar intake when consuming dates.

Eating dates in moderation is unlikely to raise a person's blood sugar excessively, even if they have diabetes.

According to one study, dates are a low glycemic index food that does not result in significant increases in blood sugar in people with or without diabetes.

Although the researchers had only a small sample size, their findings do indicate that eating dates in moderation should not dramatically impact a person's blood sugar.

How to eat dates

Add dates to smoothies for extra nutritional value.

Dates can be eaten fresh or dried, much like raisins. People can also add them to a variety of sweet or savory dishes.

Some examples of dishes that incorporate dates include:

·         Stuffed dates: People can stuff dates with almonds, pecans, cream cheese, or pistachios for a snack or finger food.

·         Salads: Chopped, sliced, or pitted whole dates are an excellent addition to salads.

·         Smoothies: Blending dates into a banana smoothie adds natural sweetness and extra nutritional value.

·         Stews: Dates taste great in Moroccan stews or tagine dishes.

·         Energy balls: People can blend dates with nuts, cranberries, oats, coconut flakes, or a variety of other ingredients to make no-bake "energy balls."

When shopping for dates, people should look for those that are shiny and unbroken.

A person can store fresh dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for many months and even longer in the freezer. If refrigerated, dried dates will last for about 1 year in an airtight container and many years if frozen.

A person should not eat dates that have a sour smell, are very hard, or have crystallized sugar on their surface. These signs can indicate the dates have gone bad.

Summary

Eating dates can be an easy way for a person to incorporate a new fruit into their diet.

When eaten in moderation, dates can also contribute essential nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and manganese.

Source : MedicalNewsToday