Many Americans know the importance of making sure their children consume fruits and vegetables but they may be missing another critical ingredient in their diet – “good bacteria.” Consuming good bacteria -- more commonly known as probiotics -- can offer several health benefits, including helping to regulate the body’s immune system and improving other bodily functions such as digestion. Studies have also begun to look at how probiotics given to newborns and pregnant, lactating mothers can prevent or alleviate allergies and asthma in children.

Dr. Walker highlights the benefits of probiotics and discusses other important nutritional matters for kids addressed in Eat, Play, and Be Healthy, including:

· Steps that parents can take to improve their children’s diets.

· The myths-versus-facts on low-fat diets for kids.

· How children who are lactose intolerant can incorporate calcium into their diet.

· What specific vitamins do and what foods you can find them in.

· Navigating the troubling area of breast-feeding and starting your youngster on solid foods.

· How to recognize the good and the bad in school lunches.

· Nutritious recipes for food your kids will actually eat.

· And much, much more…

Following Dr. Walker’s advice your child will be eating better, feeling better, and on the road to a healthy adulthood.

SUGGESTED QUESTIONS

Ø How could bacteria be good for us and how can we incorporate good bacteria into our diets?

Ø How are your recommendations different from the new USDA guidelines?

Ø How can a parent decide if their child is obese and what can parents do to correct this problem?

Ø Is it possible for a parent to give their child too many vitamins?

Ø What other advice do you have for parents in regards to their children’s diets?

About the Author:

W. Allan Walker, M.D. is a Professor of Pediatrics, the first Conrad Taff Professor of Nutrition, and the Director of the Division of Nutrition at Harvard Medical School. He has won many awards for his work, including the top nutrition award from American Academy of Pediatrics.

Eat, Play, and Be Healthy

By: W. Allan Walker, M.D.

ISBN: 00714418167

$16.95/Paperback

About Harvard Medical School

http://hms.harvard.edu/

Harvard Medical School has more than 5,000 full-time faculty working in eight academic departments based at the School's Boston quadrangle or in one of 47 academic departments at 18 Harvard teaching hospitals and research institutes. Those Harvard hospitals and research institutions include Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge Health Alliance, The CBR Institute for Biomedical Research, Children's Hospital Boston, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Forsyth Institute, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Joslin Diabetes Center, Judge Baker Children's Center, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Mental Health Center, McLean Hospital, Mount Auburn Hospital, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, VA Boston Healthcare System.

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