Today’s topic has become a common theme in recent decades, but it’s helpful to talk about what the scientific literature is showing so we can make good choices for our families. Globally, we continue to see a rise in overweight and obese children. This information is pretty well known, but, for me, the interesting part is that children generally grew in a healthy manner, meaning their height and weight increased proportionally so they maintained a healthy weight until age 5. But during the school years, they started to either gain too much weight or too little height for healthy growth.

So, the question that begs to be asked is, why does this trend start after age 5 and not before? We know that a child’s height and weight are indicators of the quality of their diet and living environment, as well as being predictive of future health and well-being. So the answer to this question reinforces the importance of promoting healthy growth across all developmental years.

I’m going to touch on a hot-button issue today that I know is very controversial - vaccines. Before I start, I want to clarify my position as an educator to avoid anyone reading anything into what I want to say about vaccines. As most of my listeners know, I base all my podcasts, books, workshops, programs, and courses on current research, best practice policies by leading health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the European Pediatric Association and a firm understanding of developmental pediatrics. I have no personal gripe with the medical establishment, holistic medicine, or scientific process. My position on vaccines as a PhD prepared researcher and certified pediatric nurse practitioner is guided by top-tier peer-reviewed scientific research and my knowledge of the dangers of childhood illnesses, such as diphtheria, polio, measles, rubella, that are prevented with vaccines. I have no agenda beyond wanting to give accurate, unbiased information so you can make the best decision for your child. So, if you have a different perspective on this issue, that is okay. A human right we all have is the right to use the information we choose to when making decisions. You may choose to use and trust different sources. The information that is going to be discussed here today is based on research that has been published in peer-reviewed journals, that has been replicated and validated multiple times. It is at your discretion to consider this information or ignore it. My goal is to share what is published in the scientific literature so you have the most up-to-date information available.

With that said, I’ll continue...

Research continues to confirm the findings of past studies showing that the measles, mumps, and rubella, or MMR, vaccine does not raise the risk of autism, even among children who are at increased genetic risk. These recent studies, plus miríada of multiple previous studies, have shown that there is no link between the MMR vaccine, nor any vaccine, and autism.

Today’s topic is for parents of children of every age. We are going to be talking about the exciting and controversial world of highly processed foods. Why we have them, what they are made out of, and what they do in the human body compared to unprocessed foods. So whether you have a 6 month old who you want to introduce their first solid foods, or if you’re tackling the issues of a toddler who is a picky eater, or are trying to find interesting foods to pack in your kiddo’s lunchboxes, or have teens with ravenous appetites, today’s talk will give you more information to make the right choices for your family.