News of Interest to Moms: April 20, 2009

News to know:

1 in 10 video gaming youths could be addicted
A new article in Psychological Science suggests that nearly one in 10 children and teens who play video games showed signs of addiction.

The article highlights research from a January 2007 Harris poll of 1,178 U.S. kids and teens aged 8 to 18.

Researchers found that 8.5% of those who played video games exhibited at least six of 11 addiction symptoms such as:

• skipping household chores or homework to play games
• poor performance on tests of homework because of playing
• playing games to escape problems

Exhibiting six of 11 such symptoms can lead to being diagnosed with an addiction

Mother's sun exposure may affect kids' bone growth
Research suggests women who get some sun during the last trimester of pregnancy may have children with stronger bones.

It's possible that mothers' vitamin D levels late in pregnancy have lasting effects on their children's later bone development, according to the report published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin after sun exposure and plays a key role in bone health.


Study: Vitamin D deficiency may raise Caesarean Risk
Pregnant women with insufficient vitamin D intake during pregnancy may be at increased risk for birth by Caesarean section, according to a study of 253 women.

Women deficient in vitamin D, which is critically important for muscle function, were nearly 4-times more likely to deliver by cesarean section than women with higher levels of vitamin D, reseachers reported.

Study: School obesity prevention programs work
An obesity-prevention program tested in several Dutch schools cut down teenagers' consumption of sugary sodas and curb body-fat gain, according to a new study.

The program aimed to:

• boost students' exercise levels,
• steer them away from junk food and sugar-sweetened drinks

Students had 11 lessons on the topics and schools were encouraged to increase gym classes and make cafeteria changes.

Researchers reported in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine that positive results decreased over time.