the researchers analyzed almost five million births in California during the 1990s, and 12,159 cases of autism diagnosed in those children.

Image Courtesy: sxc.hu

Based on the first examination of heterogeneity in parental age effects, it appears that women’s risk for delivering a child who develops autism increases throughout their reproductive years whereas father’s age confers increased risk for autism when mothers are <30, but has little effect when mothers are past age 30. We also calculated that the recent trend towards delayed childbearing contributed approximately a 4.6% increase in autism diagnoses in California over the decade.

i.e, Older mothers are more likely to have a child with autism, and older fathers significantly contribute to the risk to have a child with autism disorder when their partners are under 30.

More information : Journal Autism Research, nytimes

CircusFit is a fitness program from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

This program combines the fun of circus skills with stretching, strength building and aerobic exercise to encourage Kids to lead healthy, active lifestyle. It is a fun way for kids to learn a little bit about the circus and stay active and healthy.

These lessons and program materials have been written specifically for youth in grades 2-5 ( can be used by Children Of All Ages). Circus Fit has many downloadable materials you can print out .

Checkout the Circusfit games here

First dental checkup

You can begin using a soft child’s toothbrush when your child gets teeth.

Normally pediatric dentist recommends that you should make first appointment with pediatric dentist for a dental checkup when the first tooth comes in ( between 6 and 12 months of age). Besides breast-milk ( diet anything other than breast-milk ) child’s soft teeth are at risk for decay. To avoid tooth decay you should avoid nursing children to sleep. This will help to prevent cavities and tooth decay.

Basically first year visit is an educational visit for the child where the dentist can explain about the cleaning, caring the tooth to parents.

Schedule regular dental check-ups (at-least, once in every year )

I Don’t Wanna Brush!

Do you often hear “I Don’t Wanna Brush!” from your 3 and 4-year-olds kids over brushing teeth!!!
Here are some simple tips to motivate your children to Brush

• Tell them the importance of brushing, show then cartoon pictures of tooth decay and its effects.
• Reward then for being brushing regularly without whining.
• Brush along with them and make brushing as a game
• Buy Junior/Youth Toothbrushes with cartoon characters (Dora, Diego etc, Sponge Bob ), this will help then motivated to brush playfully.

Health Foods for dental Health

• Research shows that cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child’s teeth; along with calcium, cheese helps to fight cavities.
• Always give kids healthy foods. try to limit sweet snacks and drinks.
• Give dairy products which is high in calcium.

Facts You Should Know

Some facts why you should care about your children dental hygiene

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) estimates that Over 40% to 50% of children will be affected by tooth decay before the age 5. It also states that more than 1/2 of the children born in America will have cavities by the time they reach second grade.

Do you know more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related conditions, according to the May 2000 Surgeon General’s report, Oral Health in America.