Back pain in children is rare, but should be of concern. Usually due to organic causes, especially in preadolescence. Any back pain that lasts more than a few days requires a thorough medical study.

It was noted that 85% of children with back pain lasting more than 2 months have any specific injury can be diagnosed and whose origins may be, disorder (occult fractures, dislocation of a vertebra) in one third of cases, developmental abnormalities (kyphosis or excessive curvature of the spine, scoliosis) in another third of cases and infections or tumors in 18% of cases. Only the remaining 15% of cases there is a specific diagnosis.How is it diagnosed?

Again, a history and a thorough physical examination are the cornerstones of diagnosis of this health problem. Other tests such as X-back, blood tests, MRI or bone scan may be useful in helping the doctor.

They are warning signs or symptoms: persistent or increasing pain, the presence of symptoms such as fever, malaise, weight loss, etc.., The finding of neurological, functional disorders of the rectum and bladder, and the early age of appearance (children under 4 years), a suspected tumor.

credit to: Dr. Salvador Pertusa Martínez

Scoliosis is the lateral deviation of the spine and is characterized by a rotation of the vertebrae associated with lateral tilt. It is a fairly common problem in pediatrics and can be seen at birth, during childhood or adolescence. Some conditions worsen with growth and can produce a striking, functional disorders causing respiratory or early degenerative osteoarthritis of the spine.

What causes it?

Most scoliosis or spinal alignment (seven out of ten) are of unknown cause. Sometimes they are congenital, that is, from birth, and other scoliosis are acquired, ie, are associated with neuromuscular disease, tumors, after trauma, etc..How does it manifest?

Idiopathic scoliosis of unknown we said is the most common. Appears in normal children and otherwise healthy. It mainly affects adolescents eleven years later. Is often manifested by pain and/or asymmetry of the back to flex the trunk forward, with shoulders of different heights, asymmetry in leg length, ie one leg longer than the other and asymmetry of the flanks and the chest wall.

How is it diagnosed?

For proper diagnosis, the doctor often considered necessary to conduct a thorough history and physical examination and thorough, including a neurological examination. It also prompted a radiograph in the posteroanterior and lateral positions of the whole column (cephalometric) with the patient standing barefoot.

How can it be prevented?

Since the majority of scoliosis is of unknown cause, the best way to detect early prevention is to implement the necessary corrective and therapeutic opportunities. In this sense, in which they fit school campaigns for early diagnosis of this disorder examination conducted by the pediatrician in school children from 6 years.

How is this disorder?

Currently, the mild and moderate scoliosis treated with hygiene measures and modification of postural body schema. In some cases corrective braces are used and only in severe cases the patient is referred to a specialist to assess their possible surgical treatment. Some of the most widely used surgical technique corrected the deformity using bars permanent internal fixation and posterior fusion of practicing the affected vertebrae.

credit to: Dr. Salvador Pertusa Martínez

Food should be a balance between fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. In children, the development process is even more important. Listed below are compounds that should not be missed in children, and what happens if this comes to pass.

Let’s start by vitamin A, found in carrots, bananas, spinach, egg yolk, beans, liver, cheese and butter. It is essential in the development and growth of the body, plus it helps in the healing of infectious diseases and the strengthening of the retina of the eye so that no difficulty seeing at night. However, not being present, lost significant support in the recovery of skin diseases, the reconstruction of tissues and wound healing.

For its part, vitamin C promotes the formation of antibodies, increases resistance to infection and iron helps prevent anemia act, among other functions. However, their prolonged absence causes that weaken the body’s tissues (scurvy) and joint pains. Is your relationship with your skin?, Helps in the generation of collagen (essential in the consistency of the skin and hair), prevents gum bleeding and spontaneous bruising. Vitamin C is present in most fruits and vegetables, tuna, milk and egg yolk.

Another vitamin essential in bone growth in children is D, which unlike the above is not ingested, but is formed in the skin by the effects of ultraviolet rays. For this reason it is very important for children to take sun baths regularly. When it does not, can give rise to a condition called rickets, in which the skull bones soften and can affect normal development.

The lack of minerals such as iron can cause anemia that may endanger the development of physical and intellectual capacities. Others such as phosphorus, potassium and sodium influence the formation and strengthening of teeth and bones, protein synthesis and help maintain proper water balance in the body. Therefore, eat the small fish, seafood, rice, vegetables and fruits.

It is also important to consume amino acids, proteins essential compounds, such as L-lysine, because it is not present in the diet, the child will be prone to skin lesions, have poor musculature, your hair will be brittle and thin , in addition to manifest growth retardation.

The proper development of children rests with their parents. Do not neglect and become part of their healthy growth.

credit to: Regina Reyna

The formation of our students in healthy hygiene habits will result in improved future health. We teach them about the importance of tooth care, or guidelines to follow in case of lice infestation.

The promotion of healthy eating and regular physical activity, facilitate the prevention of obesity and other chronic diseases like diabetes or cancer.

Self-esteem is a consequence of our experiences and the demands that come to us from outside. In children, especially in its early years, a high degree of self-esteem will help the development of learning, their social relationships …

We, as parents and adults who are the principal agents surrounded his life, are the ones who put the foundations of this image they have of themselves. Something you can not forget is that the smaller more vulnerable self-esteem and at this stage is when building, which is essential to be aware.

The family is a great link and of course what we do and externalize is basic, which takes note of how you help for a healthy upbringing and objective:

* Do not compare them, or their brothers or friends … each possess some specific skills and enhance them or not depends on us.
* Praise your logrospor however small
* Assign tareaspara to improve the image of himself and also help you become increasingly autonomous.
* The affection is important and is also shown.
* Do not ever scold him for things he does wrong. Praise the positive. Mates that it has suspended, it should improve, but do not forget to recognize that the other subjects has approved, and has had to strive for it.
* To begin to make decisions. The first years, only to choose between two things and it’s a start. As it grows we are taking “more field”
* Learn from mistakes, learning is part of the individual. Show this maximum and understand that making mistakes is not only a way to grow and mature

In this study, 245 children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years with chronic abdominal pain, were tested to evaluate the fructose malabsorption (the inability to absorb fructose) with a hydrogen test on the levels of fructose.

The increase in hydrogen levels is a response to the ingestion of fructose, identifies those who have malabsorption of fructose and about 54 percent of the individuals had fructose malabsorption.

Therefore this percentage were given a diet low in fructose and about two thirds of the subjects experienced resolution of their symptoms.

This study suggests that fructose malabsorption is common in children with unexplained abdominal symptoms and the reduction of fructose can control symptoms in many of these children.

Bed-wetting experts say affects self-esteem, emotional state and social behavior. As shown by the White Paper which collects Enuresis children between eight and sixteen years with this disorder find it a traumatic family event along with divorce and discussions between the parents.

Many times this problem is not resolved because the parents do not consult with your doctor whether out of shame, because no attention, some children are punished or put them diapers aggravating the situation.

In the study by the Spanish Association of Relatives and patients with enuresis have participated more than 8% of the nearly 7000 Spanish pediatricians from all regions, the results of a survey show that despite the high incidence of this disorder only 45.5% of parents consulted the doctor about the problem with their children, although there are effective pharmacological treatments.

According to the magazine Consumer Eroski the involuntary leakage of urine in children is due to a lack of maturation of the bladder or a deficiency of the hormone ADH, which produces much more urine at night. The child was not urine because you do not have a psychological cause and not blame.

There are many studies which prove that napping helps improve memory, in the case of children enables them to assimilate all the information they receive from their environment, better retain what is taught and find it easier to understand.

It is true that every baby and child is different, some need more sleep than others, but here are a table indicative that many pediatricians recommend mothers to know how a baby should sleep on their age.

Siesta hours recommended by pediatricians by age:
- 1 month: Eight naps
- 4 months: Four naps (between four to six hours of sleep)
- 6 months: Three naps (three or four hours of sleep)
- 9 months: two naps
- 12 months – 1 year: One or two naps
- 24 months – 2 years: A nap (between one to two hours)
- 3 years: A nap
- 4 to 5 years: A nap (30 min to an hour)

Malaise and dehydration.

Bloody diarrhea important. Suspected poisoning with various affected.

Prolonged diarrhea (more than two weeks).

Infants under 6 months. The reason you do not need a study (or even a stool culture), except as discussed, is that healing is spontaneous.

How to prevent it?

The most common source of infection is through contact with feces or diapers of a child with the disease, so as to avoid extreme measures will be usual hygiene, especially hand washing, both the child and the caretaker. This cleansing must be especially careful after changing diapers, cleaning the child or after using the toilet and, of course, before meals.
Little is available for an oral vaccine against one of the most common viruses that cause gastroenteritis, rotavirus. Not included in the routine immunization schedule and is only permitted use in children younger than 6 months, which is the lifetime of increased risk.

For several years we have been discussing as a country on the effects of junk food in our children. The year 2007 was estimated that between 20 and 30 percent of preschool and school children had some degree of overweight.

More recent figures indicate that the picture is more serious, revealing that about 40% of children are overweight or obese. Another speaks of calculating that 1 in 5 children in first grade paint a picture of child obesity.

The calorie intake above what is necessary for his age, coupled with the lack of physical exercise and the many hours they spend watching a screen our sons and daughters (six per day are calculated, including video game consoles, TV and computers) are risk factors and, indeed, who have to change.

As children we are what we adults allow themselves to be

It is in the early years of life is when you settle the future will be the lifestyle and food is no exception; in childhood we structure our personality and behavior patterns acquired.

Hence the importance of every adult linked to the education of a child, her parents and family first, concentrate their efforts in teaching and promoting a healthy lifestyle. This I mean in time to hold a balanced diet, regular exercise to practice and not spend long periods exposed to the screens.

The causes of childhood obesity

The determinants of obesity are multiple and the first thing to understand is that this is a multifactorial metabolic disease, which affects social elements, physiological, metabolic, molecular and genetic.

However, let us not forget also that it is the combination of inadequate food in quantity and type of food, coupled with sedentary lifestyle which explains the tendency of a greater percentage of children overweight or obese straight.

What do you do for the health of your children? Tell us and share experiences.