Latest news with #AmericanAcademyofPediatrics
Qatar Tribune
4 hours ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Sidra Medicine provides Qatar's first comprehensive adolescent eating disorders clinic
Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, offers a specialised eating disorders clinic within its Adolescent Medicine programme to support children and young people, aged 8 to 17. In a statement outlining this issue, the medical institution highlighted that as the only comprehensive eating disorder programme in Qatar, the clinic plays a vital role in addressing a growing health concern by providing holistic, multidisciplinary care tailored to the complex physical and mental health needs of adolescents. Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team including pediatricians, psychologists, dietitians, and social workers. The team is trained in gold-standard therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) and Family-Based Therapy, the statement read. It further added that the clinic provides diagnosis and management for conditions such as Anorexia Nervosa (restrictive and binge-purge types), Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and co-occurring mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and low self-esteem. Acting Division Chief of Adolescent Medicine, General Pediatrics, and Dermatology at Sidra Medicine, Dr Madeeha Kamal said: 'Eating disorders are not simply about food or weight. They are complex mental health conditions with deep emotional and psychological roots. They often go unnoticed, as many young people hide their symptoms. Our clinic is committed to raising awareness and providing specialized care that combines medical, psychological, nutritional, and family support.' She went on to explain that a standout feature of the program is its integration of allied health professionals who play a crucial role in each patient's recovery. Dietitians offer tailored nutritional support to help adolescents, and their families reach treatment goals, while psychologists address underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and body image concerns. Social workers, she added, also work closely with families to address relational dynamics that may be contributing to the disorder, reinforcing the importance of trust and support throughout the healing process. Dr Kamal emphasized that the programme also has an inpatient service for adolescents requiring round-the-clock care and therapy. Patient management, for both outpatients and inpatients, is based on the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. In this context, Chair of Pediatric Medicine at Sidra Medicine, Dr Al Hammadi said that Sidra Medicine witnessed many success stories. He affirmed that with more than 90 percent of our patients achieving long-term recovery, this program demonstrates that with comprehensive treatment and strong family involvement, adolescents can regain their health and lead fulfilling lives. Dr Kamal shared some advice and guidance for parents, if they are worried about their children's eating habits, early detection is extremely crucial when it comes to eating disorders. Which is why it is important to work together with the family because this collective work can make a difference in their child's life. Physicians stress the importance of early detection of eating disorders, along with the commitment to balanced and proper nutrition to strengthen growth, health and emotional health. They likewise underscored the importance of family meals to further enhance communication and provide an organized environment.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Parents swear this trick helped their babies walk—but here's what actually makes it work
Parents will try almost anything to see those long-awaited first steps. Lining up toys. Cheering from across the room. Offering snacks. But lately? Some swear the secret is as simple as a lime in each hand. In a duet video with @wendysanchoa that's gained more than 8,000 views, pediatric physical therapist Dr. Olivia Reyes (@thebabypt) responds to another parent's lime-walking hack—where whole limes are placed in each of the baby's hands to encourage them to walk forward. But as Dr. Reyes gently explains, the limes aren't really the magic. 'This lime trick… has really nothing to do with the limes and more so everything to do with his ability to stand,' she says. 'In order to walk, we have to be able to stand by ourselves independently… for at least 10 seconds.' The clip, shared with the hashtags #lemonmyth and #MomsofTikTok, shows a baby happily balancing in place before moving toward the limes. 'Limes give him a counterbalance and help him stay focused on the target,' Dr. Reyes adds, noting that his mom being very close by helps him be a lot more successful. Related: When do babies start walking? Experts say there's a wide range of normal Why babies stand before they walk—and why that matters According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most babies begin to walk between 9 and 15 months, but every child develops on their own timeline. Before that first step comes a less glamorous but essential milestone: independent standing. This kind of stability allows babies to shift their weight, which is the basis for stepping forward. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists 'pulls up to stand' as a key milestone by 12 months. They also recommend parents talk to their child's doctor if their baby isn't standing with support by that age. Limes, laughs, and questions in the comments The original video by @wendysanchoa, which has 2.4 million views, shows her baby confidently walking while holding a lime in each hand—and it didn't take long for parents to flood the comments with encouragement, jokes, and ideas of their own. ' I can't, my son would eat them because he loves limes ,' wrote @Arely Ocampo. 'Give him 2 avocados, he'll be RUNNING ,' added @mg. @Miamie50 chimed in: 'That is really clever! I'm gonna have another baby just to try this out.' And @White Widow Super Cheese captured the moment perfectly: 'He could not believe the power that was in his hands.' The duet from pediatric physical therapist Dr. Olivia Reyes (@thebabypt) helped explain what was really at play—and why the ability to stand is what unlocks the magic behind the moment. Related: 11 best baby walking shoes for those exciting first steps How to support walking in a developmentally healthy way While social media offers a steady stream of clever tricks, pediatric experts say there's no replacement for time, space, and support. 'Walking readiness' is about muscle, coordination, and confidence. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents can support their baby's movement and pre-walking skills by: Giving babies safe, open spaces to crawl, pull to stand, and cruise Encouraging them to reach for toys or objects placed slightly out of reach Supporting practice with pulling up, squatting, and shifting weight Helping them cruise along furniture with supervision Letting them go barefoot indoors so they can feel the floor and build balance What not to worry about? Whether they're holding a lime, a toy, or just figuring it out step by step—walking happens when they're ready. Sources: When do babies start walking? February 2022. When do babies start walking?. Important Milestones: Your Baby By Twelve Months. January 3, 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important Milestones: Your Baby By Twelve Months. Supporting Physical Development in Babies. February 2022. Supporting Physical Development in Babies. Solve the daily Crossword
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Mom Wakes Up at 5:30AM, Unprepared for Who's by Her Bed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A U.K. mom was fast asleep when she heard a mysterious munching sound coming from her bedside. Kenzie (@kenziecleankids2) posted a clip on TikTok of her bed covers, lit up by her phone camera in the early hours of the morning. "I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to a loud noise—I thought it was an animal at first," Kenzie told Newsweek. Kenzie's white bedsheets are lit up by her cellphone camera in the early hours of the morning. Kenzie's white bedsheets are lit up by her cellphone camera in the early hours of the morning. @kenziecleankids2 But when Kenzie pans the camera, the real culprit is revealed: her almost-3-year-old daughter, Ava Mae, casually sitting beside the bed, chomping loudly on a bag of Butterkist popcorn while watching her iPad. "I was so shocked to see her down by the side of my bed; she was just loving life," Kenzie said. The mom, from the southwest of England, asked her daughter, "What are you doing?" Ava Mae, however, was completely unbothered and carried on eating her popcorn. "She's the most-sassy little person, with the funniest personality," Kenzie added. Kenzie's clip clocked up more than 2.7 million views and almost 1,100 comments. Many other parents found the moment of toddler mischief relatable. "My son came into me one morning eating a cinnamon donut and had another in his hand ready to eat next," one user wrote. "My son did the same thing at her age. Got himself some cereal. Got his iPad. Sat down next to my bed and was crunching away. Then he got mad at me when I was like, 'Um, what are you doing?' He was clearly eating," another commented. "Poor kid's only at the cinema watching her movie leave her be," a third user posted. But Ava Mae's early-morning snack stash left some users concerned, pointing out that popcorn is considered a choking hazard for young children, especially those under 4 years old. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that popcorn is one of several foods, along with grapes, hot dogs, and nuts, that pose a choking risk due to the shape and texture. Parents are generally advised to avoid giving popcorn to toddlers until they are developmentally ready to chew it thoroughly. Kenzie, aware of the concern, told Newsweek thatshe took the popcorn away soon after the video was filmed. "Me, my 4-year-old old son and [Ava Mae] just started laughing. I did take them away from her as she had eaten half the bag already," the mom added. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures you want to share? Send them to life@ with some extra details, and they could appear on our website.
Epoch Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Epoch Times
Pediatrician Group That Recommends Weight Loss Medications for Children Receives Money From Manufacturers: Study
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has taken in millions from companies that manufacture a new class of weight loss drugs, raising concerns about the organization's endorsement of the drugs for children as young as 8 years old, researchers said in a new paper. The AAP, in guidelines released in 2023, recommended that doctors should offer children aged 12 and older glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) and other weight loss drugs. The guidelines, which AAP said it vetted, also said clinicians could offer the drugs to children aged 8 to 11.
Observer
22-07-2025
- Health
- Observer
Sharing a bed with Your Kid? It's normal in Asia
SINGAPORE — In the United States and some other Western countries, many parents wince at the idea of sharing a bed with their young child regularly. But in other places, long-term bed sharing through infancy, toddlerhood, and beyond is seen as totally normal. For many families in Asia, in particular, the question is not whether to do it, but when to stop. How and where young children sleep is a big deal for the whole family. It can have implications for an infant's safety and a child's development. It can also affect parental sleep, intimacy, and mental health, and can influence how families configure their homes. In South Korea, many parents bed share because they want to savor a close relationship with young children 'who one day won't need them anymore,' said Inae Kim, an office manager in Seoul. She sleeps in two adjacent king-size beds with her husband and their two girls, ages 5 and 7. 'They want to enjoy the moment,' Kim, 40, said over an iced latte in her high-rise apartment complex. Though her girls slept in cribs until they were 6 months old, they've grown up bed sharing with their parents. In the West, and especially in the United States, bed sharing tends to be unpopular and contentious. That is partly because the American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts warn that it can be unsafe for infants 6 months of age or younger. Many Western parents put infants to sleep in cribs or beds in a separate room — often using a practice known as 'sleep training,' in which infants are taught to sleep independently. Modern ideas about separating mothers and babies at night have their roots in campaigns by 'Victorian-era influencers' in Britain and the United States, according to 'How Babies Sleep,' a book published this year by anthropologist Helen Ball. Even though there isn't much scientific literature on bed sharing, studies generally show that the practice is far more common in Asia than in the West. (Other regions where bed sharing is popular, including Latin America, aren't as well studied, experts say.) One multicountry survey of parents of infants and toddlers from 2010 found that bed-sharing rates were more than 60% in China, Japan and South Korea, and more than 70% in India and parts of Southeast Asia. The rates in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States ranged from 5% to 15%. Country-level studies since then have broadly reinforced some of those findings, although a 2015 survey in the United States found that 37% of mothers 'rarely or sometimes' bed shared and 24% of them 'often or always' did. Bed-sharing rates in the West may be higher than such figures suggest because stigma around the practice linked to safety concerns in infancy leads some parents to underreport it, said Ball, the director of an infancy and sleep center at Durham University in Britain. 'I think bed sharing is a much more normal strategy than Westerners recognize,' she said. In parts of Asia, motivations for bed sharing vary by place and by family. Some are extremely practical. Some parents in Seoul, a city where many families live in high-rises, share beds with infants because they worry that putting them would lead to crying and wake the neighbors, Kim said. In Hong Kong, where apartments are notoriously small, many families don't have extra rooms to put their children in, said Vicky Tsang, who runs breastfeeding support groups in the Chinese territory. She said it is common for bed sharing to last through primary school. 'The space problem is a big factor,' she said. But practical considerations don't always fully explain why bed sharing is popular. In some Asian societies, many couples prioritize the mother-child bond over their own sleep health and marital relationships, said Heejung Park, a professor of psychology at Scripps College in California who has studied bed sharing in the region. In other cases, parents who grew up in bed-sharing households can't imagine a different sleeping arrangement. 'It's so common that no one thinks, 'Is it uncommon?' ' said Erin Lim, 39, an entrepreneur in Seoul who grew up in a household where three generations slept in the same room. Lim said that she stopped sharing a bed with her older son when he was 4, and with her younger son when he was 2. Now the boys are 9 and 5, and they have their room. But she still keeps a small bed in her bedroom for if — and when — they wander back in. In India, the cultural attachment to bed sharing is so deep that it tends to persist even among urban elites who are exposed to 'Western sleep training culture,' said Himani Dalmia, a sleep specialist in New Delhi who runs a support group for parents and shares a bed with her children, 7 and 9. She said she sometimes gets calls from Indian parents abroad who can't find the sleep advice they're looking for. 'Look,' they tell her. 'We want to bed share, and we can't talk to anyone here about that.' One apparent exception in the region is Singapore, a wealthy city-state where reported bed-sharing rates are lower than in other East and Southeast Asian countries. Sleep training seems to be increasingly popular there, and some Singaporean parents are reluctant to admit to bed sharing, said Elaine Chow, the president of a local breastfeeding support group. 'Sometimes, if they do mention it, they will mention it kind of guiltily,' she said. Ho Kin Ing, who shares a bed in Singapore with her three girls — 2, 3, and 6 — said that she and her husband once felt significant social pressure to sleep train as they browsed online parenting forums. 'I had a lot of influence and information, and not a lot of intuition,' Ho, 33, said during an interview in her high-rise apartment. 'But I guess that, over the years, that intuition part started to strengthen a little bit.' Her husband, Tan Peng Yong, 37, said they didn't regret choosing to bed share. 'To be woken up by your kids is one of the best feelings ever,' he said, sitting next to a toy bus and a Mrs. Potato Head doll. 'Even when they hit you in the face.' Social pressure around sleeping arrangements can cut the other way, too. In some East Asian societies, choosing not to bed share can be seen as 'harsh parenting,' Park said. In her study on sleeping habits in Japan, some mothers said they felt compelled to do it to conform to social norms around maternal responsibility. Kim knows the feeling. She sleeps better without her kids in the bed, she said. But her husband insists on family bed sharing because he sees it as essential for a close relationship with his daughters. Some of Kim's friends have children who stayed in the family bed until age 12, even at the expense of their parents' sleep quality and sex lives. That would be too much for her, she said. So she and her husband have decided that their girls will move into what is now their playroom in about two years. Whether that will happen on schedule is an open question. The plan is to install bunk beds, Kim said with a laugh, but neither girl wants to sleep on top. 'It's kind of scary to think about falling off,' she said. This article originally appeared in
