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Kids Health News
Ireland 'among the best countries to be a child'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 10/04/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
The vast majority of children in Ireland are happy with their lives, a new report has found.
According to the UNICEF study, 86 per cent of young people in the country are content with their lot, with the period between 2001 and 2010 showing steady improvement in this regard.
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Creches 'are struggling to provide care for children with special needs'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 08/04/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Providing early childcare to children with special needs is proving difficult for many creches and pre-schools in Ireland.
This is the finding of new research commissioned by Early Childhood Ireland, which showed dozens of providers have turned away young people with learning difficulties because of a lack of timely access to specialised support personnel including care assistants and therapists, the Irish Times reports.
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FREE eye exam for Kids aged 12 to 16 during March
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 04/03/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
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Opticians have launched a campaign calling for improved eyecare services for 12 to 16-year-olds. According to Eyezone, which represents almost 100 independent opticians across the country in Ireland, approximately 10% of children up to the age of 12 require glasses or contact lenses, while more than 20% do so by the age of 16. Eyezone are highlighting that there is no specific scheme in place for 12-16 year olds during these years of crucial ... click to read full post & comments
Primary school children 'to learn the importance of healthy eating'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 11/02/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Primary school children are to learn more about the benefits of a balanced diet in a bid to address growing concerns about childhood obesity.
Following recommendations made by restaurateurs Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent in their School Food Plan, young kids will be educated about the importance of eating healthily and older children will receive lessons on how to cook, the Press Association reports.
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Obese children 'experiencing severe bullying'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 06/02/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Obese children at schools in Ireland may be subjected to severe bullying, new findings have suggested.
Temple Street Children's Hospital has revealed that more than one in ten overweight youngsters have experienced this form of victimisation.
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Pupils 'may not receive enough PE hours'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 05/02/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Many school children in Ireland may not be receiving enough hours of physical education (PE).
Just ten per cent of post-primary school pupils are currently taking part in 120 minutes of PE every week, despite rising levels of obesity causing alarm in the country, the Journal reports.
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Emergency food aid for school children 'is required'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 31/01/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
A national programme of emergency food aid is required for schools in Ireland, it has been claimed.
Independent TD John Halligan has called on Taoiseach Enda Kenny to establish such an initiative to combat the effect increasing poverty levels is having on young people in the country, the Irish Times reports.
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Concerns raised over lack of school places for children with autism
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 22/01/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Concerns have been raised that there may be a lack of appropriate school places for children with autism.
The Irish Times reports that families are worried young people with the condition are failing to reach their full potential due to spending cuts.
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New school exercise initiative launched
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 08/01/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
A new school health initiative has been launched as experts warn that children's long-term health is being put at risk because of a lack of exercise.
The scheme has been introduced by Aviva Health Insurance in conjunction with experts from the Centre for Preventive Medicine and aims to improve the health and fitness of first and second year pupils across the country, the Irish Independent reports.
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Poor baby nutrition leading to adult illnesses, report finds
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 20/11/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
A new study has revealed baby feeding patterns and nutrition in Ireland are "far from ideal", with the nation recording the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe.
According to the Food Safety Authority in Ireland's (FSAI's) Scientific Recommendations for a National Feeding Policy in Ireland report, the weaning of infants from milk to solid food is also an area that needs particular attention.
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Study finds 5-year-olds worry about being fat
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 02/11/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Primary school children as young as five believe they are too fat to wear swimsuits, according to the results of a new study.
Dr Deirdre Cowman of All Hallows College, Dublin, carried out research into the effects a parent's weight obsession can have on children, the Herald reports.
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Almost half of young people have suicidal thoughts, study finds
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 08/10/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Experts have called for greater awareness of the emotional distress faced by many young people after a new study found more than four in ten young people have felt their lives are not worth living.
The My World survey saw 8,000 individuals aged between 17 and 25 asked a series of questions addressing mental health by researchers from Headstrong and the University College Dublin's (UCD's) School of Psychology, the Irish Times reports.
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Obese children 'risk stroke and heart disease as young adults'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 27/09/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Children that suffer from obesity could be risking their long-term health even if they slim down by adulthood, according to the results of new research.
Scientists at the University of Oxford have published a report in the British Medical Journal that revealed being overweight during early years and as a teenager can substantially increase the risk of ill health as an adult.
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Garden trampolines 'highly dangerous for children'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 25/09/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Parents have been warned about the high risk of injury that comes with allowing children to use garden trampolines.
The American Academy of Paediatrics has produced a new policy outlining the dangers associated with trampolining.
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Good Practice Guide for School Breakfast Clubs launched
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 13/09/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
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The Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton TD., attended at Rutland National School in Dublin today to launch ‘A Good Practice Guide for Breakfast Clubs’ which has been developed by Healthy Food for All and funded by the Kellogg Corporate Citizenship Fund and the Kellogg Company of Ireland. Speaking at the launch of ‘A Good Practice Guide for Breakfast Clubs’, Sinéad Keenan, Project Coordinator, Healthy Food for All said: “While we know there are children going to school hungry, we also know that 1 in 4 nine year olds in Ireland are overweight or obese (Growing Up in Ireland 2011). We need to ... click to read full post & comments(3)
Kids 'should be checked for head lice once a week'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 04/09/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Parents have been advised to check their children for head lice at least once a week now the new school year has begun.
Pharmacist with the Irish Pharmacy Union Grannie O'Leary explained how there is no way to prevent youngsters from contracting nits, the Irish Independent reports.
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Mouth guards 'should be worn to protect against school sport injuries'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 28/08/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Experts have warned that children should be wearing mouth guards to protect against dental injury when participating in school sports.
Researchers led by Margaret O'Malley of Health Service Executive West dental services in Castlebar, Co Mayo, found only 22 per cent of pupils wore mouth guards while playing contact sports.
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Walking to school 'offers mental and physical benefits'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 24/08/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Children who walk or cycle to school have higher levels of concentration and are more likely to develop road safety sense at a young age.
This is according to new studies from SLAN and HSBC, which reveal over half of all pupils live no more than a 20 to 30 minute walk from their school.
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Older mothers have healthier children, research finds
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 22/08/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
New research suggests children born to older mothers are more likely to be healthy and develop language skills faster during their early years.
A study carried out by scientists at University College London's Institute of Child Health and published in the British Medical Journal revealed the offspring of women aged 40 and over are also less inclined to have social and emotional difficulties.
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Study shows obesity in kids 'must be tackled'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 27/07/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
The results of new research into heart disease have highlighted the importance of finding new ways to prevent childhood obesity.
Consultant endocrinologist at St Columcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown, County Dublin, Dr Donal O'Shea told the Irish Times the findings prove tackling the problem of obesity is paramount.
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Study shows obesity in kids 'must be tackled'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 27/07/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
The results of new research into heart disease have highlighted the importance of finding new ways to prevent childhood obesity.
Consultant endocrinologist at St Columcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown, County Dublin, Dr Donal O'Shea told the Irish Times the findings prove tackling the problem of obesity is paramount.
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Playground smoking ban approved
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 24/07/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Children's playgrounds in Fingal are set to become smoke-free areas after the county council announced plans to formally adopt a no smoking policy.
The move come after Meath County Council unanimously agreed on a motion to also make smoking illegal in playgrounds, the Irish Times reports.
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Pre-school TV viewing linked to overweight children
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 17/07/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Young children that watch a lot of television are more likely to be overweight by the time they are in the final year of primary school, according to a new report.
Research carried out by scientists at the University of Montreal and Saint-Justine Mother and Child University Hospital found a link between each hour of TV watched and waist circumference.
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HPSC calls for vaccinations before summer camps
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 04/07/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Parents have been reminded to ensure their children are up to date with their MMR vaccinations in preparation for the start of the summer camp season.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) made the announcement following last year's outbreak of the measles in Dublin, the Herald reports.
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Proposal launched to make cycle helmets compulsory
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 03/07/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
A new initiative is set to make wearing cycle helmets compulsory for children aged up to 13-years-old.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is looking to make head protection a must, with parents of youngsters who flout the law issued with a fine, the Irish Independent reports.
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A quarter of pre-school children found to be overweight
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 21/06/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
The results of a new survey show almost a quarter (23 per cent) of pre-school children are overweight.
Research carried out by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance revealed a higher incidence of obesity in youngsters aged two (27 per cent) and three (32 per cent).
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Drink and drug abuse 'can affect teen brain development'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 19/06/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Concerns have been raised about drink and drug abuse by teenagers, as this can have an impact on brain development, according to one expert.
Dr Fiona Weldon, clinical director of the Rutland Centre in Dublin, told the Irish Times that studies have found the memory part of the brain is considerably smaller in adolescent binge drinkers, than their teetotal counterparts.
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Study finds BMI tests for children may be inaccurate
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 18/06/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements may not be the most accurate way to determine whether children are overweight, new research has shown.
A study by scientists at Leeds Metropolitan University revealed hundreds of youngsters were not classed as obese using the BMI scale, but had a worryingly high waist circumference.
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Peer pressure helps encourage kids to exercise, study finds
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 29/05/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Children who have active friends are often far more physically active than those with mates that are less interested in exercise, according to new research.
A study led by Sabina Gesell of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville revealed kids belonging to lively peer groups are six times more likely to change their exertion levels.
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Excessive use of technology 'damaging for mental development'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 23/05/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
A leading psychologist has warned parents their excessive use of smartphones and iPads could be damaging their children's long-term health.
Dr Aric Sigman claimed such habits can be passed on to youngsters, with the growing addiction to TV and computer games putting kids at risk of suffering damage to their brain and body.
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Cheese adverts 'important' as children need calcium
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 22/05/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
The Food Safety Authority (FSA) of Ireland has called for a review of regulations proposing the banning of adverts promoting cheese during children's viewing hours.
According to the body, while the move aims to have a positive effect on obesity, it fails to consider how crucial calcium intake is for youngsters.
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Measles outbreak sparks vaccination warning
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 16/05/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Parents have been urged to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles following an outbreak of the disease.
West Cork has witnessed 25 cases of the condition in the last four weeks, with all those affected aged between 12 and 18.
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Breast feeding 'helps fight obesity in children'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 02/05/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Breast feeding children for between three and six months can significantly reduce their risk of becoming obese by the age of nine.
This is according to a new report featured in the Journal of Social Science and Medicine, which used data from the Growing Up in Ireland study to look at the benefits of being fed naturally.
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Schools urged to join global anti-bullying event
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 01/05/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health Teachers
Friday (May 4th) will see schools across the world join together to show their support against bullying.
Stand 4 Change Day aims to raise awareness of the problem and school communities are asked to stand together for five minutes at midday, as a pledge to work towards creating a safe learning environment.
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Children 'should avoid excessive use of mobile phones'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 26/04/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Parents have been advised to discourage their children from using their mobile phones unnecessarily.
The guidance comes despite a report by the Health Protection Agency's Independent Advisory Group concluding there is still "no convincing evidence" that handsets cause adverse effects to health.
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Former athletes to discuss tackling childhood obesity
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 19/04/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Two of Ireland's most revered athletes are set to present proposals on how to tackle obesity in children through sport.
The Journal reports how senator Eamonn Coghlan and chief executive of the Irish Sports Council John Treacy will address the Oireachtas Committee later today (April 19th).
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Survey reveals 1 in 5 kids go to school hungry
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 17/04/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health Teachers
The results of a new survey have revealed one in five children in Ireland have gone to school or bed hungry because there was not enough food at home.
According to the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Survey 2010, younger kids and those from lower social class groups were significantly more likely to go without food.
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Kids to be weighed on first day of primary school
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 16/04/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
A proposal has been put forward that would see children weighed on their first day of primary school in a bid to target obesity.
Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Irish Medical Organisation, consultant paediatric endocrinologist at Tallaght Hospital and head of paediatrics at Trinity College Dr Edna Roche revealed the plans.
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Study finds 1 in 5 secondary school kids hear voices
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 12/04/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Research has revealed one in five 11 to 13-year-old children in Ireland claim to have heard voices in their head.
A study conducted by the Department of Psychiatry at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin found auditory hallucinations are less commonplace in adolescents, with only seven per cent of those aged between 13 and 16 reporting noises.
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Violent video games 'can damage young minds'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 27/03/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Computer console use can not only have a detrimental effect on a child's health but also on their minds, it has been claimed.
The UK's Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) has raised concerns about the consequences of youngsters playing violent video games.
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Schools see rise in sleep deprived children
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 26/03/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Tiredness has become an endemic problem in many primary schools, with 92 per cent of teachers claiming they have encountered pupils that are so sleepy they cannot focus in class.
The Sleep Council's (UK) Better Brains With More Sleep study revealed 38 per cent of educators find sleep deprived youngsters are a daily problem.
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Your views sought on new childrens protection legislation
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 22/03/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
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Proposed new national standards for the protection and welfare of children are being launched for public consultation today by the Health Information and Quality Authority.The Draft National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children are grouped under six key headings, and they cover issues such as listening to children, assessment and planning, working with other agencies, the protection of children across a range of settings and the training and support of staff.
Tracey Cooper, Chief Executive of the Health Information and Quality Authority, said ... click to read full post & comments
Heavy school bags 'cause irreversible back deformities'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 13/03/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Carrying overloaded bags is leading to a rise in the number of school children being seen with irreversible back deformities.
This is according to a new study by the charity BackCare, which explained how half of all youngsters suffer back pain by the age of 14, the Daily Mail reports.
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ADHD diagnosis most likely in youngest classroom pupils
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/03/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Research has found the youngest children in a classroom are most likely to be labelled as suffering from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
A study conducted by scientists at the University of British Columbia and published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal revealed youngsters with birthdays at the end of the school year have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the condition.
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