YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH

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 BRAIN FOOD

Feed your child fish and he just might do better in school. A recent study found that 15-year-old boys who ate fish at least once a week scored higher on intelligence tests at 18 years old than boys who had it less often. Experts think it's the omega-3 fatty acids in fish, found in fatty varieties such as salmon, that boost smarts. Try serving fish tacos: Break grilled halibut into chunks and spoon into warm tortillas with avocados and salsa.

 

THE FAMILY WHO EATS TOGETHER STAYS HEALTHY

Middle-Schoolers who ate meals with their families at least five times a week were more likely to eat veggies and foods high in calcium and fiber in high school than kids who didn't have regular family meals.

 

DOG BITE ALERT

AS the temperatures rise, so does your child's risk of being bitten by a dog, says a recent study. Young kids are particularly vulnerable to severe bites in the head and neck areas. Protect your child by teaching her to:

• Never approach strange dogs, try to pet them through fences, or disturb those that are sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
• Ask a dog owner's permission before petting.
• Walk past a dog, don't run, which may cause him to become excited or aggressive.
• If your child is bitten, always call the doctor. Even minor bites need to get professional attention since they can easily become infected.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

A lot, if you want kids to eat their veggies. When Cornell University researchers served 3- to 5-year olds "X-ray-vision carrots", the kids  ate nearly twice as many as they did when they were given "carrots". What's more, the kids still ate about 50% more carrots even after researchers stopped using the nifty moniker. "Power peas," anyone?

 

DRINK UP TO PREVENT OBESITY

Add a new water bottle to your back-to-school shopping list. A recent study from Germany revealed that elementary school kids were less likely to gain weight and drank more H2O when they were given new water bottles at the beginning of the school year and water fountains were installed in their schools. As part of the program, teachers also talked to them about the benefits of drinking water.