Monday, September 04, 2006
Expert advice on Health and Fitness
`What can I tell my overweight daughter about her potential health risks?'
EXCESS WEIGHT AND HEALTH RISKS
Q I'm very concerned about my 16-year-old daughter, who is overweight and keeps getting bigger. She doesn't seem to be so concerned about her weight because she says she is no larger than most of her friends and classmates. I try to give her a balanced diet, and I discourage snacking. What can I tell my daughter about the potential health risks that her weight can cause? M.W., Washington, D.C.
A Your daughter appears to be like many other teenagers who comprise today's younger generation, a large percentage of whom tend to eat more and spend more time in front of the TV or computer, rather than participating in more physical activities. The result is a growing number of overweight, out-of-shape youngsters.
Many doctors say such sedentary lifestyles contribute to some serious medical problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, certain cancers and osteoarthritis. But another serious and growing condition associated with overweight teenagers is noninsulin-dependent diabetes (type 2), which reduces the body's ability to control blood-sugar levels and is a major cause of heart disease, kidney disease and blindness.
The good news is that if your daughter loses some weight, she will reduce her chances of becoming a victim of the conditions associated with excess pounds. Slow and steady weight loss of no more than 1 pound a week is the safest way to shed the pounds.
In addition to getting an appointment for your daughter to see a physician, encourage her to become more physically active. Plus, continue to make sure she eats a balanced diet.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF COLIC
Q My husband and I became first-time parents a month ago, and our son has changed our lives so much for the better. Our concern is that he cries for a long period of time. No matter what we do, he won't stop crying. What could cause him to cry so much? I try to make him as comfortable as possible. J.K., Miami
A Assuming your doctor has excluded other causes of the baby's citing and irritability, including illness, it appears that your son is having bouts with colic, an acute spasm accompanied by severe pain in the abdominal cavity. Doctors say the exact cause of infant colic, which is common among newborns, is not known but appears to be the result of a combination of factors, including family history of irritable bowel syndrome. It also could result from a reaction to cow's milk or other elements that may be in formula or breast milk.
Colicky babies have prolonged periods of crying, usually at the same time each day. Normally, a baby with colic eats and gains weight well, seems very hungry and often sucks vigorously. If he fusses soon after a feeding, he may need more opportunities to suck, particularly, doctors Kay, if a bottle-feeding takes less than 20 minutes.
The crying infant may quiet down when held, rocked or patted gently. Fortunately, colic usually clears up by 3 months of age.
LACTOSE INTOLERANCE
Q I have loved milk and other dairy products since I was growing up. But now that I am 35 years old, I have all kinds of abdominal pain and discomfort whenever I drink milk. What could be the cause of my problem, and will I have to stop drinking milk forever? M.L., Atlanta
A You probably are among the estimated 75 percent of African-Americans who experience lactose intolerance, which is the inability to digest the natural sugar in milk and milk products because of a lack of the natural enzyme that breaks down lactose. Symptoms include diarrhea, bloating and abdominal discomfort about 20 to 30 minutes after ingesting dairy products.
If you don't want to give up milk and milk products, yon can purchase lactose tablets to he taken before eating dairy products or you can buy milk that's lactose-free.
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