Stem Cell Treatment Shows Promise for Osteoarthritis
Researchers in Baltimore obtained stem cells from the bone marrow of goats, then infused the cells into the knee joints of the goats affected by arthritis. A control group of goats got a fake placebo injection. The goats who received the stem cell injections showed remarkable regeneration of the injured joint tissues, stem cells were detected in the new tissue, and further degeneration from the arthritis was reduced.

Dr. Sears comments: This study highlights a very interesting future use for stem cells, not only to treat degenerative arthritis, but, as the authors of the study predict, for treating traumatic knee injuries as well. Every month research is showing more and more uses for stem cells. Banking your newborns umbilical cord blood stem cells at birth is a valuable way to preserve this resource for future use in curing a growing number of diseases. Click here to read more about banking your baby’s cord blood.

American Academy of Pediatrics Joins Fight to Get Soda Machines out of Schools
The AAP published a policy statement this month asking school districts to take soft drinks out of their vending machines. The main concern of the AAP is that each soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar and that this source of junk food consumption is contributing to the growing problem of childhood obesity. Soda machine contracts are a huge source of revenue for school districts, and removing sodas would mean less money for an already struggling public school budget. Some school districts have already made a ban on selling sodas. The AAP claims that studies show 85% of school kids are drinking at least one can of soda each day, and they are asking vendors to offer unsweetened fruit juice, water and milk in their machines, and remove the soda. The National Soft Drink Association claims that an average child is only drinking about 1 ½ cans of soda per week.

The city of Philadelphia has just announced that it plans to ban soda throughout its school districts.

Dr. Sears comments: I agree with the AAP. Although losing the soda would mean less money for the schools, I think our kids’ health is more important. Click here to read more about the harmful effects of excess sugar.

Paintball Eye Injuries Double in Recent Years
Research has shown that more than twice as many eye injuries due to paintballs occurred in 1999 and 2000 (more than 1200 per year) compared to previous years. Many injuries result in permanent visual problems. The key to preventing such injuries, experts report, is to only play paintball as designated paintball parks and always wear eye protection specifically designed for paintball.

Dr. Sears comments: Dr. Bob used to frequently play paintball. It can be fun and safe if proper precautions are followed. Just be smart. Play it safe. Don’t risk your eyesight, it’s not worth it.

This Year’s Flu Shot May Not Have Offered Much Protection
A study of 1500 hospital workers in Denver showed that those who got the flu shot were just as likely to come down with the flu or flu-like illnesses as those who didn’t get the shot this year. It is feared that since this year’s shot didn’t contain the Fujian strain (the most prominent flu this year) that people didn’t get the protection they hoped for. More studies are underway to measure the effectiveness of the flu shot.

Dr. Sears comments: The question of whether or not you should get the flu shot is really over for this year. But you will have to ask yourself next year, should you get the shot for you or your kids? Click here to read more about how to answer this question for yourself.

United States Stalls the U.N.’s Plan to Fight Global Obesity
The United Nation World Health Organization has developed a Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health Policy that it is hoping to put into effect. The United States representatives, however, have managed to put a hold on the plan until more study is done. It isn’t clear why the delay, U.S. representatives stated they were pressured by the U.S. food lobby, especially the sugar industry.

Teen Obesity Increases Adult Death Risk
A research study in Norway tracked 128,000 residents for 40 years. Those who were very overweight as teens had a 30 to 40% higher mortality rate by middle age. This trend was more true for women than men. It was also shown that those who lost the weight had a similar mortality rate to those who were not overweight as teens.

U.S. Spent 75 Billion Dollars for Obesity in 2003
Estimates show that the U.S. spent 75 Billion to treat obesity-related health problems in 2003. About half this cost was paid by tax dollars, according to researchers.

Dr. Sears comments: There’s no escaping it. Every month there is more and more research about the global problem of childhood and adult obesity, and the significant health risks thereof. If your child is overweight, or is trending in that direction, take steps now to improve your child’s future health. Click here to read about the LEAN program, or visit our online store and check out our newest book, LEAN Kids today.

Arsenic Levels Found to be Higher Than Expected in Young Chickens
A National Institutes of Health research team found that young chickens contain three times the amount of arsenic than other types of meat and poultry. Arsenic has been found to increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. How are these chickens being contaminated? Arsenic is found in ground water, but it is also an ingredient in antibiotics that are used in animals. The researchers stress that chicken is healthy and safe, and that even if a person ate 21 ounces of chicken each day they would still only be ingesting half the amount of arsenic that is considered a safe daily dose by the World Health Organization.

Dr. Sears comments:I have always tried to stress the importance of eating organic foods as much as possible. This highlights the importance of eating antibiotic-free chicken as well. The researchers in this study state that the antibiotics are probably the primary source of the arsenic contamination.

Eating Breakfast Helps Prevent Cavities
A study of 4000 children showed those who skipped breakfast as toddlers and preschoolers were 4 times as likely to have tooth decay than kids who did eat breakfast. Additionally, those who shun fruits and vegetables were 3 times more likely to have cavities than those kids who ate their five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

One reason for these findings is that kids who skip breakfast tend to snack on unhealthy snack foods throughout the day.

Dr. Sears comments: Read more about healthy eating in our nutrition section.

Click here to read about how to get your kids their daily dose of fruits and veggies.