In a recent study from Teenage Research Unlimited, researchers reported that teens spent $159 BILLION in 2005. My own experience raising three teens led me to believe that many of them spent their PARENTS’ money in 2005.

According to the USDA’s 2005 report on expenditures on children by families, today’s middle-income parents will spend approximately $11,000 per teen each year. This figure is based on expenses of housing, food, transportation, clothing, health care, child care and education, and miscellaneous goods and services for youth ages 12 to 17. And the pressure on parents to keep up with cars, cell phones, sports, music and arts, and the other demands of teen living can add up and take a financial toll. For parents who are not financially prepared for the additional costs of the teenage years, this can lead to unexpected debt and additional stress.

What may interest many parents is the study’s finding that teen’s spending was down by 6% from 2004, with teens reporting that nearly all the decrease was a result of “less access to other people’s money.” The researchers suggest that parents may be more cautious about spending on their children compared to previous years because of rising gas prices and fears of unemployment or layoffs. Yet, teens were not as skeptical. Nearly half of the teens surveyed believe they’ll spend more this year with only 17% reporting they expected to spend less! Hang on to those check books and credit cards!

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Sources

TRU Projects Teens Will Spend $159 Billion In 2005
Expenditures on Children by Families
Jumpstart Coalition For Personal Financial Literacy

Written by: Donna Davis

Reviewed by Jo Turner

teenagers, teens, money, spending

Listen to the podcast: Warning Signs of Anorexia
Written by: Jacqueline Endaya
Reviewed by: Linda Bobroff

With concerns about childhood obesity on the rise, the plight of young people with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa may not be on many people’s minds. However, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, between 5 and 10 million people, including about 1% of American teens, have an eating disorder (Collins, 2004). Anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by excessive weight loss and severely distorted body image, is one of the most common psychiatric diagnoses in young women (Dubé, 2001).

Often, parents and friends fail to recognize warning signs of anorexia. Teens with anorexia may comment about feeling “fat” or overweight, although they actually are losing weight. They may become preoccupied with food, calories, fat grams, and dieting. Parents may find it difficult to get them to participate in family meals, and when they do they tend to eat very little, and will chew excessively and rearrange food on their plate. Teens with anorexia will often withdraw from friends, family, and activities, and may exercise for hours at a time.

Early identification and treatment of anorexia nervosa are essential to avoid serious health effects and even death. Parents who suspect that their teen has an eating disorder should ask their family physician or pediatrician for a referral to a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Treatment usually involves a team of physicians, therapists, and nutritionists, who provide counseling, nutrition therapy, and medication (Segal, 2004). The most important thing that family and friends can offer a person dealing with anorexia is unconditional love.

References

1. Collins, Harper. (July, 2004). Teenagers with eating disorders. Retrieved July20, 2006, from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

2. Dubé, Benoit, M.D. (Jan, 2001, updated June 2004 ). Anorexia nervosa. Retrieved July 20, 2006

3. Segal, Jeanne, Ph.D. (March, 2004 modified May 23, 2006). Anorexia: signs, symptoms, causes, effects and treatments.

Resources

WomensHealth.gov Loving Your Body Inside and Out: Eating Disorders

National Eating Disorders Association

Listening, learning and living together, it's the science of life. "Family Album" is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Services of WUFT-FM. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

anorexia, childhood obesity, nutrition, parenting, eating disorders

Listen to the podcast: Teflon® and your non-stick cooking utensils
Written by: Amy Simonne
Reviewed by: Suzanna Smith and Donna Davis

When I heard in the news about Teflon® recently, I was ready to get rid of all my non-stick cookware in my kitchen at home to protect my family, but my logical side decided to examine the issue further. Because of its non-reactive nature and other desirable properties, Teflon® has found its way into production processes and many uses in consumer products such as non-stick cookware, lubricants, paints, cosmetics, fire-fighting foams and space suits.

Unfortunately, researchers have recently discovered that overheated non-stick coatings on household frying pans can release a toxic gas that can be lethal to birds. In recent years, a body of literature has also indicated that a form of this polymer or PFOA has been linked to cancer and birth defects in animals and is in the blood of 95% of Americans including pregnant women. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not yet determined whether PFOA poses an unreasonable risk to the public, and does not believe there is any reason for consumers to stop using any consumer or industrial products that contain PFOA. Nevertheless, the EPA has an agreement with the industry to fade out 95% of PFOA from manufacturing emission and in consumer products 2010 and to eliminate the chemical all together by 2015. Do I need to get rid of all my non-stick pans at home now? Maybe not, but I will be sure not to overheat those utensils and use the product with care.

Resources

EPA Perfluorooctanoic Acid Human Health Risk Assessment Review Panel

EPA Basic Information on PFOA

Listening, learning and living together, it's the science of life. "Family Album" is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Services of WUFT-FM. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

nonstick, food safety, teflon, PFOAs, cooking

Listen to the podcast: Protecting Children from Heat in Cars
Written by: Donna Davis
Reviewed by: Suzanna Smith

Every year it seems we hear another story about a child being left in a car, almost always by mistake, only to suffer or die of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. During the summer of 2003, ten children in Texas suffered such a fate, the highest fatality rate from this cause for any state.

While many of these children were the victims of a forgetful caregiver, others were left for “only a moment” by a caregiver who didn’t realize that even a matter of minutes for a quick errand could result in tragedy. Even at only 75 degrees outside, a car can reach 100 degrees in a matter of ten minutes.

How can these tragedies be prevented? According to the Child Abuse Prevention Project, when away from home, NEVER leave a child unattended in a car (even if the windows are down and it’s shaded or your baby is sleeping… even for just a minute). In addition, there are a number of steps you should consider to keep your children safe when they’re at home. For example, don’t leave your car keys where children can get them – they may be tempted to play in the car. Keep your car doors and trunks locked at all times, even in the driveway or garage. Also, keep rear fold-down seats closed so kids can’t get in the trunk from inside the car, and consider having a trunk release mechanism available from inside the trunk. Finally, if your child does get locked inside a car, call 911 immediately if you’re not able to get them out yourself.

A few simple steps can protect your family from tragedy!

heat, cars, safety, children, babies

Listen to the podcast: Swaddling Your Baby
Written by: Suzanna Smith
Reviewed by Donna Davis

Recently, the ancient infant care practice of swaddling has caught on in some communities around the United States (see Meltz, 2006). Swaddling seems to have a soothing effect on crying babies—and as a result, on their parents, too.

Swaddling is a method of wrapping a newborn baby in a cotton sheet or light blanket as is often done by the nurse immediately after a baby is born, restricting the baby’s movement. Common wisdom suggests that swaddling gives babies a feeling of security and warmth as they adjust to life outside the womb (Meltz, 2006).

Recent medical research suggests that swaddling has some benefits for infant sleep. In a study of 26 healthy babies, researchers found that swaddling helped decrease arousals during sleep, perhaps enabling babies to go back to sleep on their own (Gerard, Harris, & Thanck (2002). Another study of 16 infants found that swaddling promoted “more sustained sleep”and fewer awakenings (Franco et al., 2005).

A word of caution: if not done properly, swaddling can be risky (see van Gest et al, 2002). A nurse or midwife can help a new mom or dad learn how to do it properly. Swaddling needs to be done safely so the baby is not too warm or circulation is cut off. The baby’s face must not be covered and of course the baby needs to be moved, held and cared for in other loving ways. So, if your baby cries a lot or has trouble sleeping, you may want to talk to your baby’s health care provider about the best way to swaddle your infant.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

References

Franco, P., Seret, N., Van Hees, J-N. V., Scaillet, S., Groswasser, J., & Kahn, A. (2005). Influence of swaddling on sleep and arousal characteristics of healthy infants. Pediatrics, 115(5), 1307-1311. Retrieved April 19, 2006 from

Gerard, C. M., Harris, K. A., & Thach, B. T. (2002). Spontaneous arousals in supine infants while swaddled and unswaddled during rapid eye movement and quiet sleep. Pediatrics, 110(6), e70. [Electronic article.] Retrieved April 19, 2006.

Meltz, B. F. (2006, April 10). Methods mimic the womb for calmer babies, calmer parents. The Boston Globe [online]. Retrieved April 19, 2006.

Van Gestel, J. P., L’Hoir, M. P., ten Berge, M., Jansen, N. J. G., & Plotz, F. B. (2002). Risks of ancient practices in modern times. Pediatrics, 110(6), e78. [Electronic article.] Retrieved April 19, 2006.

Listen to the podcast: Television and Baby's Sleep
Written by: Kristen McDanel and Suzanna Smith
Reviewed by Donna Davis

There are a number of video and television programs that have been made for children under the age of three. At times it may be fun to watch your baby or toddler bounce or dance along with the characters on the screen. Many busy caregivers also use these shows to give themselves a little time for a needed break or to prepare a meal or tidy up. However, watching television may not be the best for your baby or toddler’s sleep.

New research has found that children under the age of three who watch television are at risk of having an irregular sleep schedule. This means that the child’s naptimes and bedtime vary daily and this can lead to other problems. Irregular sleep schedules can result in your baby or toddler not getting enough sleep and to sleep problems that can affect your child’s mood, behavior, learning and health.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (2001) recommends that children under the age of two should not watch any television and children over the age of two should be limited to two hours of television a day.

A great alternative to turning on the television for your baby or toddler is to provide them with a safe place, such as a playpen with age appropriate toys or to put on some music and sing and dance with them. Watching you is just as fun to your child as watching a character on television, and it is a good way to play or and spend time with your child. Plus the exercise and laughter can be a stress reliever for you!

Listening, learning and living together, it's the science of life. "Family Album" is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Services of WUFT-FM. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

television, sleep, babies, toddlers, parenting

Listen to the podcast: Being a Nurturing Parent
Written by: Donna Davis and reviewed by Suzanna Smith

In the hustle and bustle of our day-to-day lives, juggling our families, work, chores, finances, homework and car pools can feel overwhelming at times. As parents, sometimes managing the varying needs of our children can seem especially challenging. However, the effort and energy of healthy, nurturing and frequent interactions with your children will provide rewards that last a lifetime.

According to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, steps you can take to strengthen your relationship with your children include, making certain your children know you love them, even when they do something wrong. Offer your children encouragement and praise for the skills they’re developing. Spend time with your children and learn to listen to them. Also, use nonphysical options for discipline such as using “time out” or something as simple as redirecting their attention.

Additionally, provide your children with access to people and activities that help them develop healthy and supportive relationships. For example, take your children to museums, libraries or sporting events. Take advantage of youth enrichment programs and religious or youth groups in your community. In addition, be sure to communicate with your children’s teachers or childcare providers.

Finally, when you need help, ask for it. Parenting, much less life in general, can be difficult. Seek respite care, parenting classes, counseling or an understanding friend or relative for support when your stress may be affecting the way you treat your child.

Listening, learning and living together, it's the science of life. "Family Album" is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Services of WUFT-FM. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

parenting, stress, child abuse, activities, children

Contributed by: Jo Turner, PhD., Professor, Family and Consumer Economics

Frauds and scams are nothing new but the targets may be. Be on the look out for any thing that sounds suspicious. According to Internal Revenue Service tax payers are targets of a scam where taxpayers receive an e-mail that appears to be from IRS but is really a trick to collect personal and financial information. This type of scam is known as "phishing." For more information visit http://www.irs.gov and enter "phishing" in the search box in the upper right hand corner.

For information on preventing or handling the aftermath of identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer (http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/index.html) and OnGuardOnLine (http://onguardonline.gov/index.html) Web sites. Click on "Topics" to find the identity theft and phishing areas on OnGuardOnLine.

For information on identity theft prevention and victim assistance in relation to tax administration, visit the IRS Identity Theft Web page on the IRS.gov Web site. Enter the term "identity theft" in the search box in the upper right hand corner.

For schemes other than phishing, please report the fraudulent misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property by calling the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-366-4484.

IRS, phishing, identity theft, fraud, scams

Listen to the podcast: Indoor Air Quality and Asthma
Written by: Mary Harrison and Donna Davis

Indoor air quality can have significant impact on a family’s health, especially if a family member has asthma. Researchers say more than half of the U.S. population with asthma suffers from the allergic form of the disease. In these cases, the asthma is aggravated by exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold. If you live in Florida, home of 10 of 100 most challenging cities for people with asthma, air quality indoors or out provides an even greater problem.

However, there are steps you can take to reduce the triggers that cause the onset of an asthma attack. For example, asthma sufferers are very sensitive to dust mites. Dust mites are found in bedding, pillows, stuffed toys, overstuffed furniture and carpeting. Enclose the mattress in a plastic cover and seal. Wash the sheets and pillow cases once a week or more often and avoid feather pillows. Don’t put stuffed toys on the bed and wash toys often or put them in a freezer for 48 hours often to kill mites. Don’t allow an asthmatic child to lie on a carpeted floor or overstuffed furniture where it’s easy to inhale dust mites. Dust mites are very small and can be seen only with magnification. Consider a hard surface floor too.

Keeping up with dust and dust mites is no easy task, but will dramatically improve the quality of life of those who suffer from asthma.

Listening, learning and living together, it's the science of life. "Family Album" is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Services of WUFT-FM. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

Indoor Air Quality in Florida Series, EDIS, The Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida

Mary N. Harrison, "Keeping it Clean: A Healthy House", EDIS, The Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida. Revised: December 2005. (Accessed July 10, 2006)

air quality, housecleaning, dust mites, allergies, asthma

Listen to the podcast: Dark Chocolate Benefits
Written by: Sherri Gampel
Reviewed by: Linda Bobroff

I live with a family of self-proclaimed “chocoholics.” My husband and daughter can’t get it chocolate enough. If you or your family members love chocolate, you know it’s hard to deny a craving. Still, you can’t help but be concerned about the effect of how something so sweet might impact your family’s health. Well, guess what… you’re in luck! Chocolate lovers, especially those at risk for developing type II diabetes or hypertension, may now have a great reason to indulge in this guilty pleasure.

A recent study conducted by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition tested the effects of dark and white chocolate in healthy adults to determine whether either type played a role in blood pressure and insulin sensitivity. They concluded that chocolate can indeed help reduce blood pressure and insulin resistance, but only dark chocolate bars seem to provide these health benefits. This is due to the fact that dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, antioxidant compounds found in many fruits and vegetables that have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. These flavanols therefore make dark chocolate a great solution to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Although dark chocolate has these health benefits, some dark chocolate bars may be high in saturated fats and cholesterol, so moderation is key. It is important to keep in mind that dark chocolate cannot substitute for everyday healthy food choices such as whole grains, and fruits and vegetables that provide a whole range of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, as well as dietary fiber. Nor can it replace regular exercise or medications that have been prescribed by your physician. Nonetheless, it’s nice to know your family can indulge in chocolate cravings every so often, and you don’t have to feel guilty about it!

Listening, learning and living together, it's the science of life. "Family Album" is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Services of WUFT-FM. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

Grassi, D., Lippi, C., Necozione, S., Desideri, G., & Ferri, C. (2005). Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure in healthy persons. American Society for Clinical Nutrition, 81, 611-614.

Grassi, D., Necozione, S., Lippi, C., Croce, G., Valeri, L., Pasqualetti, P., et al. (2005). Cocoa Reduces Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance and Improves Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilatation in Hypertensives. Hypertension: The American Heart Association, 46(2), 398.

chocolate, chocolate day, dark chocolate, health, nutrition, diet, diabetes

Written by: Dr. Amy Simonne
Listen to the podcast: Grill Food Safely

Millions of Americans enjoy the outdoor gathering and picnic with their friends and families, and for many, the gathering would not be complete without various tasty grilled meats. However, reports in recent years have raised concerns of health risks that come with grilling, especially the risk of cancer. Is eating grilled meats putting your family members at risk?

According to research, grilling, frying and broiling muscle foods such as red meats, poultry, and fish can lead to the formations of cancer causing compounds. These compounds have been shown to cause tumors in animals, and possibly increase the risk of various cancers in humans. This doesn’t mean we need to stop eating grilled meats altogether. But here are some tips that consumers can use to reduce their risk.

Before you start, clean the grill to remove charred food debris remaining from previous events. If starter fluid is used on charcoal grills, let it burn off before putting the food on the grill. Choose lean cuts of meat for grilling to reduce fat dripping. Marinating meats using oil-free marinade can reduce a significant amount of cancer producing chemicals during grilling. Limit the amount of time meat is on the grill by precooking the meats or keeping portions small. Avoid letting juices drip into the flames or coals by using utensils that do not pierce the meats. Flip the meat frequently. And to further protect your family during those outdoor barbeques, be sure to follow other food safety and dietary guidelines.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

AICR, "The Facts About Grilling: Facts on Preventing Cancer" American Institute For Cancer Research, 2001. (Accessed July 6, 2006).

USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Food Handling: Barbecue and Grill Safety, Fact Sheet, May 25, 2006. (Accessed July 6, 2006)

barbecue, grill, cancer, food safety, grilling, meat

Written by Donna Davis
Reviewed by Suzanna Smith
Listen to the podcast: Cell Phone Stress on Families

We all know teenagers today who think that they simply couldn’t LIVE without their cell phones! And, how many parents have told the story of their own youth and their survival not only without cell phones, but without the INTERNET as well! Many parents resisted getting cell phones for themselves, and never dreamed of buying into the “family share” plans, but finally gave in with the justification that it would be good that their children would always be able to reach them.

Now researchers are finding that cell phones may have negative impacts on marriages and on family satisfaction, especially for working mothers. A major reason is because the technology is blurring work/family boundaries. According to a recent study from sociologists at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, while computers and cell phones have made it easier to work more flexible hours and to work from home, they have also made it easier to bring work problems home, and problems from home to work.

The study found that cell phone activity created stress in marriages as cell phones typically increased the negative spillover from work to home for both men and women. Women had the additional stress of having home issues spill into their work because the communication from home revolved around problems--family members called women at work for support or help with problems.

Our teenagers may be ok with being connected by cell phone 24/7, although this research indicates that it’s not such a good thing for working parents… just yet.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Source

Chesley, Noelle (2005) “Blurring Boundaries? Linking Technology Use, Spillover, Individual Distress, and Family Satisfaction,” Journal of Marriage and Family, Vol. 67 p 1237-1248.

stress, kids, FAR, mothers, parenting, cell phones, cell phone courtesy month