Screen Time Linked to Extra Weight In Children

Every additional hour children and teens spent watching TV each day was associated with an approximately 0.1 point increase on the body mass index scale, according to a study in the journal Pediatrics. Among girls in particular, watching DVDs and videos was linked to weight gain, researchers said. One thing researchers warned about was that sitting in front of the television, with hands free, makes watchers more likely to go into the kitchen to get a snack. It would be interesting to know how interacting with a tablet or smart phone while watching television might change that habit.

Six Free iPad Apps on Making Healthy Food Choices

Summer is a good time to take the kids with you to the grocery store and talk about healthy food choices and there are a variety of apps that can help you augment that real world experience with excellent resources, good advice, and games. A recent article on the Edutopia site, written for teachers, but equally valuable to parents, outlines six pre screened iPad apps that are sure to spark a healthy discussion over a good meal.

Gadgets Part of School Plan to Fight Obesity

An Illinois school district is using a portion of a $15,000 grant from Fuel Up to Play 60 to purchase 60 wristbands made by Fitbit Flex that will track students' steps taken, distance traveled, active minutes, calories burned, the quality of sleep, and the hours slept. The effort is intended to help reduce teenage obesity, and officials said students will take the wristbands home for several days and potentially use the data to make healthier choices. A school in Arlington Virginia is doing something similar with even more kid friendly devices called Sqords that focus on winning medals, competing with pals, and sending positive messages through your “PowerMe” avatar.

Social Media Goes Everywhere Says Study

If you had any doubts about young people’s devotion to social media, here, perhaps, is the final straw. 32% of the heaviest adopters of social networks — those ages 18 to 24— connect with sites such as Facebook and Twitter in the bathroom with both sexes participating in this activity equally, says a new report that surveyed over 200,000 users. Also, time spent on social networks increased 37% over 12 months ago. The average woman spent 18 hours and 20 minutes per month, while men spent about 13 hours. Who were the biggest social networkers? Those in the 18-24 age group who spent more than 21 hours each month on social networks, followed by the 25-34 age group at more than 20 hours. It looks like Facebook is still the top social network, followed by Blogger and Wordpress. The breakout star was Pinterest.

Program to Reduce Screen Time Gets Parents Attention

Techniques used in a program to cut down on screen time did not significantly change the number of hours spent by young children in front of a TV, computer or game console, according to a Canadian study, but having pediatricians discuss the issue with parents created a significant difference in the number of meals eaten in front of the TV. That’s important because other studies have found that people eat more when they combine media and food consumption.

Dirty Technology

Here is one more thing to talk to your kids and yourself about – most smartphones and tablets are breeding grounds for bacterial filth.  The proximity to your ears, your nose, your mouth and then, possibly, your toddler’s hands along with the inherent warmth only a bacteria can love – it all adds up to possible exposure to flu, pinkeye, and diarrhea. None of the big phone manufacturers have recommendations about what to do about it. There are products on the way to market to help – but in the meantime take a look at the accompanying chart and stay tuned for more suggestions in this blog. What do you do to keep your technology clean? Here are some suggestions to help you get started.

Looking at Baby Animals is Good for Your Productivity

You know how your kids are always telling you that wandering off to look at other things actually helps their productivity? Well, Japanese researchers have found there may be some truth to that…if the subject matter that you are sneaking a peek at are baby animals. Just for fun, take a look at the gallery of "the cutest, most productive baby animals" around in this gallery on BuzzFeed.

Ahh…if only this research were true. But, then some people would tell you that of course it is because IT was on the Internet. This is a good lesson in detecting misinformation for your kids.

Could Facebook Be Contributing To Obesity?

A new study, done in Ireland, suggests that the more time people spend on social networking sites, the less active they are, and the more susceptible they are to weight gain. While the study is a long way from demonstrating the connection between social networking and less physical activity, it is a reminded that there is only so much time in the day, so make sure your kids are getting out and doing something.

Controlling Kid’s Vending Purchases

Parents in New York City could get to decide what drink selections their children can make -- and how often they can make them. CC Vending is seeking approval to install its computerized system in all city schools. The system allows parents to load money into online accounts, which students use to purchase drinks that parents select for them. Officials say the program is intended to help students make healthier choices and hold their parents accountable.

Using Your Phone to Make Healthier Eating Choices

Trying to eat healthier this year? Your phone can help. Fooducate, an iPhone app, lets you scan barcodes on food products to find out what’s really inside. Not only does the app grade each food or drink on an “A to F” scale, but it also lets you compare products side by side and offers healthier alternatives to the products you’ve scanned.

For Android users, try FatSecret Calorie Counter, which keeps track of your caloric intake and finds nutrition facts with a built-in product barcode scanner.