Healthy Kids: Depression and heart disease

Author: WINK NEWS
Published: Updated:
FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) – Lead Exposure, Depression and heart disease, along with Reading were in the news this week in regard to children.  Here to discuss these studies and more is Dr. Annette St. Pierre-Mackoul.
Old Electronics:  Source of Lead Exposure in Kids?
Work with old or recycled electronics was studied.
‘Take-home’ victims of lead exposure occurred in children.
Toxins were carried on skin, hair, shoes, clothing, etc…
Concern occurs with lead levels higher than 5 mcg.
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Lead Poisoning:
Lead affects the developing nervous system.
Leads to hyperactivity; attention, behavior and learning problems.
Control issues:  change clothing, shoes and shower at work.
Leave all those things at work – wash outside of the home.
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Screen Depressed Teenagers for Heart Disease:
Study looked at over 7000 younger than 30 years old.
Mood disorders are at risk.
Depression or attempted suicide was the top risk factor for women
                      and 4th highest for men.
Narrowed or blocked arteries were main finding.
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Theory of why:
Teens are more likely to have unhealthy habits like smoking.
Increased risk of drug use and inactivity.
Meds to treat them cause weight gain, HBP, high cholesterol and sugar.
Inflammation and cell damage were found to be present – unsure why.
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Brain Scans Show Benefits of Reading to Kids:
Reading produces better language skills.
Recommend reading to children at birth.
Brain is constantly developing in the early years.
‘Reading builds a brain!’
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Results:
More reading = more brain activity.
Increase in ability to form mental images from what is heard.
Brain is more active with reading than during ‘screen time.’
1st grade poor readers – rarely catch up!
Pre-Kindergarten years are crucial.
Reading app’s are being studied – not looking good!

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