Child health fears over high salt levels in sweet foods, Many sweet foods popular with children contain potentially dangerous levels of salt which are putting their health at risk, a campaign group warns today. Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash) said new research had found salt in desserts, sweet drinks and snacks of which parents were likely to be unaware. Cash is calling on parents to check labels carefully and stop buying very salty foods for their children. The charity also urges manufacturers to lower the amount of salt they put into children's foods and to provide clear salt labelling to help parents make informed choices. Eating too much salt is linked with high blood pressure, which increases the risk of strokes and heart disease. Cash's research into food products on sale this month found that an Asda rolypoly fresh 114g pudding had 1.1g of salt - 55% of the recommended daily maximum for under-threes and 36% for four- to six-year-olds. A Heinz tinned treacle sponge pudding had 0.8g of salt per quarter of a tin - 40% of the average daily maximum for a child aged one to three and 27% for a child aged four to six.

Good Things About Breast-Feeding

* It saves money. The cost is about $0.39/day and keeps your baby healthy.

* Protects against cancer.

* Helps mother lose weight and get back into shape.

* Provides bonding and cuddling with baby. CSS,

Good For Infants:

* Easier to digest

* Less likely to have allergies

* Fewer ear infections

* Diapers smell better

* Talk to women who have breast-fed well in the past.

* Breast-feed your baby as soon as you can after you give birth. You should begin within the first hour. Even though the mother will not be making enough milk, her breasts contain a thin fluid that helps protect her baby from getting sick.

* Feed on demand. Newborns need to eat often. Breast-feed at least every three hours in the beginning. Many newborns will want to nurse every 11/2 to 2 hours. Breast milk is easier for a baby to digest than formula, so breast-fed babies will eat more often than those who feed from a bottle. New babies may nurse 10 to 12 times a day.

* Avoid extras like sugar water. Some babies get confused when a bottle is given to them early on. Sugar water offers little that is helpful and may make the baby not want to nurse. Bottle milk given in the first few days can reduce both the baby's hunger and the mother's milk.

* Supply and demand--the more the baby nurses, the more milk the mother will make.

* Delay use of plastic nipples. So the baby does not get confused, wait a week or two after the baby is born before giving him/her a pacifier. Plastic nipples require a different sucking action than real ones.

Good Health While Breast Feeding

* To breast-feed her baby, a woman needs to eat 500 extra calories each day while she is nursing.

* Women who are nursing should choose three to four servings of foods from the milk, yogurt, and cheese group daily. Use the Food Guide Pyramid as a guide in selecting healthy food choices.

* Use caution if smoking, drinking, or taking pills. These things may pass into the mother's milk.

Advantages:

* Breastfeeding doesn't cost anything and can be convenient. It is about 98% effective as a contraceptive for the first 6 months.

* Breastfeeding helps your womb return to normal and helps you return to your normal weight.

* Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. "BREAST IS BEST!" It encourages bonding between you and your baby. Breast milk is also very nutritious, and it gives your baby greater immunity against infection because it contains antibodies.

* Support groups for breastfeeding moms are plentiful in most U.S. cities. Call 1-800-LA LECHE for information and the name and number of a woman near you that you may call.

Disadvantages:

* Breastfeeding does not keep all women from having their periods, and is not an effective contraceptive after your periods return. It is difficult to tell when breastfeeding stops working as birth control.

* This method works best if you feed your baby your breast milk ONLY. If feeding your baby more than breast milk, use a spoon rather than a bottle (if you are trying to get the best contraception from breastfeeding.) If you work, pumping milk from your breasts often helps improve the effectiveness of breastfeeding as a contraceptive.

* Some women are bothered by having a dry vagina while breastfeeding. This is normal. Intercourse may be more comfortable if you use a lubricant for sex, such as Astroglide, Aqua Lube, or KY jelly.

* If you are breastfeeding, you must be willing and able to eat lots of healthy foods.
Parents and children will both need adjustment time to a new daycare. Even if your child is excited to begin attending the new arrangement, he or she will still experience some normal nervousness and anxiety as to what to aspect. These tips can help to minimize the adjustment period for you both.

1) Learn as much about the facility and its schedule in advance. Discuss with your child what he will be doing, and in what order, if possible.

2) Express confidence and enthusiasm about the new arrangement. She needs your support. Tell her about some of the activities she will be participating in. Speak about your positive expectations about the experience--and she will most likely work hard to meet them.

3) Tour the center and the specific classroom with your child before his first day. Introduce him to friends and teachers.

4) Prepare in advance by establishing a structure that will be followed once your child starts attending this center. Determine a bedtime routine, and be sure to allow enough time in the morning for a good breakfast. A familiar routine helps to establish a positive experience for all.

5) Plan to remain with your child when she first arrives. This will provide some needed reassurance and support. You'll know when the time is right for you to leave. With some children, the first day is the only time staying in the classroom is necessary. With others, you may need to remain with your child for a few days...or even longer. Eventually, she'll be familiar with the new setting and routine and will be too busy to notice your presence!

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