Everyone worries about drug abuse among children, but a hidden danger for some kids rests in prescription medicines intended to help them, a new study warns. Some children and teenagers who are prescribed multiple medications are at risk of drug interactions that could literally stop their heart, according to the report. “We found that about…  read on >

Weight loss depends on eating fewer calories than your body uses up. But when you eat those calories could make a difference that you’ll see on the scale. An Italian study found that you can boost weight loss by about 25 percent just by eating 70 percent of each day’s calories between breakfast and lunch,…  read on >

Children need nutritious lunches to help them stay healthier, concentrate in school and play sports. The FDA suggests how to pack a healthier lunch: Plan your meals for the entire week. Fill your child’s lunchbox with foods that contribute to healthy growth and weight maintenance. Encourage your child to help pack lunch. This will help…  read on >

Pregnant women and newborns are more vulnerable to foodborne illness than others, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says. Here are the agency’s suggestions for pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid foodborne illness: Clean hands and surfaces often. Separate foods to avoid spreading contamination. Cook foods to proper temperature. Use a meat thermometer when appropriate. Chill…  read on >

Want to help your kids succeed at school? Watch what they eat. Research shows that children who have a nutritious breakfast have better concentration, more energy and do better in school, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Some schools provide breakfast. If your kids’ school does not, make sure they eat a breakfast…  read on >

One sleepless night might tip the body’s metabolism toward storing fat while depleting muscle, new research suggests. Many studies have linked poor sleep — whether from insomnia or working the night shift — to weight gain and health conditions like type 2 diabetes. But that type of research leaves open the question of whether sleep…  read on >

Could baby poop hold the key to a healthy gut? A new study suggests that might be the case. An analysis of fecal samples collected from the diapers of 34 healthy infants identified 10 strains of gut bacteria that may boost the body’s production of short-chain fatty acids. “Short-chain fatty acids are a key component…  read on >

It’s an age-old question, whether it’s better to exercise before or after eating. Research done in the United Kingdom might provide the impetus for some people: According to a small study, exercise burns more body fat when you do it on an empty stomach. The research compared the effects of exercising after eating breakfast to…  read on >

A well-planned vegetarian diet is healthy for an infant or toddler, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says. But it’s crucial to make sure that the young child gets all necessary nutrients, the academy says. These nutrients include: Vitamin B12 — This vitamin can be obtained by consuming dairy products and eggs. Vegans may opt…  read on >

Cases of childhood obesity have risen steadily over the past two decades, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Children who are obese are more likely to be bullied, are at higher risk of developing other chronic health problems and are more likely to remain obese as adults, the agency says. The CDC…  read on >