According to a 2015 study, 27.8% of Hong Kong’s primary school children have anxiety symptoms so severe that professional help is warranted. 5-year-olds complaining of tummy aches without apparent cause, 8-year-olds having trouble falling asleep or suddenly refusing to go school, 10-year-olds facing bullying and hostility (in person and for older kids, on social media)-Continue reading “Stress and Anxiety in (Hong Kong) Children”
Category Archives: Babies/ Children
Dry drowning or delayed drowning: know the signs
Though extremely rare, a 4-year-old boy died of drowning days after he went swimming in the USA last month. The suspected cause of death was reported to be “dry drowning” at the time. “Dry drowning” and “secondary drowning” aren’t actual medical terms, but they are used to describe the complications which result from submersion ofContinue reading “Dry drowning or delayed drowning: know the signs”
Travelling soon? Beware of bed bugs!
With bed bugs becoming resistant to common insecticides used against them, it’s no wonder we have seen a resurgence of bed bug infestations in the last 5 to 10 years. Bed bugs, known scientifically as Cimex lectularius (Cimicidae), are oval-shaped wingless insects that feed on blood from people or animals. No more than 0.5 centimeresContinue reading “Travelling soon? Beware of bed bugs!”
Hidden sugars in your (child’s) food
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published new guidelines in 2017 in the journal Pediatrics, stating that children under the age of one should not be given fruit juice, unless advised by their doctor. The AAP cites increasing obesity rates and risk for dental caries in children for the updated guidelines. Besides sugary juices, where elseContinue reading “Hidden sugars in your (child’s) food”
2017’s “Dirty Dozen”: Strawberries, spinach most contaminated with pesticides
Yesterday, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released 2017’s Dirty Dozen™ list, which is comprised of fruits and vegetables most contaminated with pesticides. Strawberries are at the top of the list, with spinach at second place in the annual ranking of conventionally grown produce with the most pesticide residues. In the analysis, a single sample of strawberries showedContinue reading “2017’s “Dirty Dozen”: Strawberries, spinach most contaminated with pesticides”
Study: eat 10 portions of fruit and veg per day to cut risk for early death
According to researchers at Imperial College London, the greatest benefit comes from eating 10 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, which is double the current guidelines of 5 fruit and vegetable servings daily, for adults. It turns out that eating 5 a day is good, but having 10 a day is better and showsContinue reading “Study: eat 10 portions of fruit and veg per day to cut risk for early death”
Should I go gluten-free?
Gluten-free foods, gluten-free menu options… Gluten-free choices are everywhere nowadays, but does it mean you should go gluten-free? Consider the following: If you’ve got celiac disease, then going gluten-free is necessary. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and other grains). Eating gluten orContinue reading “Should I go gluten-free?”
How to prevent unwanted side effects of antibiotics
Sometimes, pharmaceutical antibiotics are necessary to eradicate bacterial infections. While most side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, etc. aren’t serious, some of the stronger antibiotics do come with a risk of more severe side effects. When taking pharmaceutical antibiotics, here are some things to consider: Choose the right type of probiotic. Many people know thatContinue reading “How to prevent unwanted side effects of antibiotics”
Top back-to-school concerns (and solutions)
It’s back-to-school season again, and with it come a variety of issues that parents and kids face. Here are a few of the most common concerns that arise at the beginning of the school year: 1. PRESSURE TO SUCCEED: Kids nowadays often feel pressured to get top grades, earn numerous awards and trophies as well asContinue reading “Top back-to-school concerns (and solutions)”
Can I take melatonin for jet lag or insomnia?
What is melatonin? Melatonin is a hormone that helps control our sleep-wake cycle. It is made by the pineal gland, a small gland in the brain. Normally, melatonin levels begin to rise during mid- to late evening, stay high for most of the night, and then decrease in the early morning. As we age, melatonin levelsContinue reading “Can I take melatonin for jet lag or insomnia?”
Dr. Ardyce Yik ND 