THE BASICS OF VACCINATION

Vaccination is a crucial aspect of Public health,providing protection against infectious diseases.Here’s a brief overview::

HOW VACCINES WORK.

1)Introduction of Antigens.

Vaccines introduce antigens,which are pieces of a pathogen,to the body.

2)Immune response:The immune system recognizes the antigens and mounts an immune response,producing antibodies and immune cells.

3)Protection:The immune system is then prepared to recognise and future infections.

TYPE OF VACCINES.

1)Inactivated vaccines:Contain killed or inactivated pathogens.

2)Live attenuated vaccines:Contain weakened pathogens.

3)Conjugate vaccines:Combine a weakened pathogen with a carrier protein.

4)mRNA vaccines:Use genetic material to instruct cells to produce a specific protein.

BENEFITS OF VACCINATION.

1)Prevention of infectious diseases:Vaccines help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

2)Herd Immunity:When a significant portion of the population is vaccinated,it helps protect those who are not vaccinated.

3)Protection of vulnerable populations:Vaccination helps protect individuals with weakened immune systems.

IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION.

1)Prevention of outbreaks:Vaccination helps prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases.

2)Protection of community health:Vaccination contributes to the overall health and well-being of the community.

3)Reduction of Morbidity:Vaccination can reduce the risk of illness.

EFFECT OF MOBILE PHONES ON CHILDREN AND ADULTS.

 Mobile phones can have both negative and positive effects on children and Adults.

**Effects on children.

1)Social skills development;Excessive mobile phone use can hinder social skills development in children.

2)Sleep disturbances;Exposure to screens and notifications can disrupt sleep patterns.

3)Eye strain and vision problems;Prolonged screen time can cause eye strain and potentially lead to vision problems.

4)Cyber bullying and online safety;Children may be vulnerable to cyber bullying,online predator’s, and exposure to inappropriate content.

5)Addiction;Excessive mobile phone phone use lead to addiction,negatively impacting physical and mental health.

****Effects on Adults.

1)Mental Health;Excessive mobile phone usage has been linked to increased stress and anxiety, and depression.

2)Sleep Disturbances;Exposure to screens and notifications can disrupt sleep patterns.

3)Productivity and Focus;Mobile phone’s can be distracting,negatively impacting productivity and focus.

4)Social Relationships;Excessive mobile phone use can lead to social isolation and decreased face-to-face interactions.

5)Physical Health;Sedentary behaviour associated with mobile phone use can contribute to physical health problems.

*****Positive Effects;

1) Access to information;Mobile phone’s provide access to vast amounts of information,educational resources, and communication tools.

2)Convenience;Mobile phone’s offer convenience,enabling users to stay connected,access services, and tasks on-the-go.

3)Emergency Assistance;Mobile phone’s can be life saving in emergency situations.

****Mitigating Negative Effects

1)Set boundaries;Establish screen free zones and times.

2)Monitor Usage;Track and limit mobile phone use.

3)Practice digital literacy;Educate yourself and others about online safety,cyber bullying and digital citizenship.

4)Encourage physical activity;Engage in physical activities and outdoor pursuits.

5)Seek support;Consult professional’s if mobile phone usage is negatively impacting mental and physical health.

CHILDHOOD OBESITY

We will discuss childhood obesity in an easy but comprehensive manner covering various important aspects:

KEY ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY:

*Defination:Childhood obesity is defined as a condition where a child has excessive body fat that negatively affects their health.It’s more than just being overweight.

*Prevalance:Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally,affecting both developed and developing countries,particularly in urban settings.The rates have increased significantly in recent decades.

CAUSES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY:

Childhood obesity is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, and it’s rarely due to single cause.The main driver’s include an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure.Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:

*Behavioral Factor’s:

—Unhealthy eating Patterns:

                Consuming calorie rich but nutrient-poor foods(junk foods),frequent snacking on processed foods,larger portion sizes, and increased intake of sugary drinks.

—-Sedentary Lifestyle:

         Spending excessive time in front of screens(television,computers,gaming devices and most important on cell phones),leading to reduced physical activity.

—Dining out:

       Eating out more frequently often leads to higher calorie intake and less control over ingredients.

*Enviormental Factors:

—Easy Access to unhealthy foods:

       High calorie junk foods are readily available and heavily marketed.

—Food Marketing:

      Children are exposed to thousands of advertisements for unhealthy foods annually.

**Family and Home Environment:

—Parental influence:Parents food choices and activity levels significantly impact children habits.If parents have unhealthy habits or are overweight,children are more likely to follow suit.

—Lack of Home cooked meals:Busy schedules can lead to less time for preparing healthy meals at home,increasing reliance on processed and fast foods.

—Genetic Factors:While genes don’t solely determine obesity,they can increase a child’s susceptibility to weight gain.Children with obese parents have a higher risk.

—-Rare Genetic Syndromes:Like Prader-Willi syndrome can cause severe childhood obesity.

—-Socioeconomic factors

—Food costs and access:Unjust food systems and economic factors can make it difficult for some families to afford or access healthy food options.

—-Psychological Factors.

—-Adverse childhood experiences can contribute to unhealthy eating habits.

—Stress can affect hormones that regulate weight.

—Obesity and eating disorders can sometimes Co-occur in adolescents.

—Medical Factors:

Certain medications (steroids & antidepressants) and médical conditions(eg,hypothyroidism,hormonal disorders) can contribute to weight gain.

—-Consequences Of Childhood Obesity:Childhood obesity has significant short-term and long-term health consequences,affecting both physical and mental well being:

Physical health problems:

                                         Type 2 diabetes:Obesity and inactivity increase the risk of developing this condition,where the body doesn’t use insulin properly.

                                        High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure:Poor diet contributes to risk factors for heart disease,potentially leading to plaque buildup in arteries.

                                      Heart Disease:Early signs of atherosclerosis(hardening of the arteries)can appear in overweight children.

                                      Breathing Problems:Increased risk of asthma and obstructive sleep apnea,a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stop’s and start’s during sleep.

                                    Joint Problems:Excess weight puts stress on hips,knees, and the back,causing pain and potential injuries.

                                    Metabolic Dysfunction associated steototic Liver disease(formerly Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease):Fatty deposits build up in the liver,potentially leading to scarring and damage.

                                   Gallstones:The incidence is higher in obese individuals.

                                    Menstrual Problems:Obesity may lead to earlier puberty in girls and contribute to menstrual irregularities later in life.

                                    Mental and Social Health Problems:In this group we have:Low self esteem wherein children with obesity may be teased or bullied,leading to negative self perception.

Depression and anxiety can occur because there’s a higher risk of developing these mental problems in obese children.

Eating disorders:These can Co-occur with obesity,particularly in adolescents concerned about body image.

Social isolation and stigma:Children with obesity may face social challenges and negative stereotypes.

Long Term Risks:Obese children are more likely to become obese adults,increasing their risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease,stroke certain cancers and premature death.

                           Metabolic syndrome a,cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease,stroke, and type 2 diabetes,is more common in overweight children.

       **Prevention and intervention Strategies:Addressing childhood obesity requires a multifaceted approach involving families,schools,communities and policy makers.Here are some key strategies:

——Promoting healthy eating habits:

                           Model healthy eating….Parents and care givers should adopt and model healthy eating patterns.

                            Offer a variety of nutritious foods….include plenty of fruits,vegetables,whole grains, and lean protein.

                           Limit sugary drinks…..replace,fruit drinks, and flavoured milk with water or plain low fat milk.Limit 100% fruit juice intake.

                          Control portion sizes…..Be mindful of appropriate serving sizes.

                          Reduce processed and junk foods:Limit the availability of high fat,high sugar and high sodium foods at home.

                          Eat meals together as family:This can promote healthier eating habits and strengthen family family bonds.

                          Increasing Physical Activity:Aim for at least 60 minutes of daily activity….Encourage children to engage in age-appropriate physical activities they enjoy.

Make it Fun:Use the word ACTIVITY rather than exercise and incorporate games and enjoyable activities.

Limit Screen Time:Restrict recreational screen time to less than one to two hours per day.

Encourage Active Play:Promote outdoor play,sports, and other forms of physical activity.

Incorporate Physical Activity into Family Routines:Go for walks,bike rides,or hikes together.

Create Supportive Environments…..School based interventions:Promote physical activity and healthy food choices in schools,including healthier options in cafeterias and nutrition education.

Community Initiatives:Develop safe places for children to play and be active, and increase access to healthy food options.

Policy Changes:Implement policies that support healthy food choices and physical activity at a broader level,such as restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children and taxes on sugary drinks.

Family based approaches:Involve the whole family in adopting healthier habits.

Focus on long term lifestyle changes rather than short term diets.

Provide a supportive and non-blaming environment.

Early Intervention:Promote exclusive breast feeding for the first six months of life.

Educate parents and caregivers on healthy feeding practices from infancy.

Medical Support:Healthcare providers can access a childs weight and health risks,provide guidance on healthy eating and activity and recommend appropriate treatment plans if needed.

Important Considerations:

Focus on health and not just weight.Emphasize healthy behaviour’s and overall well-being rather than solely focusing on weight.

Avoid Blame and Stigma:Create a supportive and understanding environment for children struggling with their weight.

Individualized Approaches:Recognise that every child is unique, and interventions should be tailored to their specific needs and circumstance’s by understanding the multifaceted nature of  childhood obesity and implementing comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies,it is possible to improve the health and well-being of children.

                                   

                                      

         

SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING IN INFANTS

Supplementary feeding is crucial for Indian Infants to ensure they receive essential nutrients for growth and development.Here is some evidence-based supplementary feeding advice:

Introduction to Solid’s(6-8months).

1)Start with single ingredient purées:Introduce single-ingredient purées made from fruits, vegetables or cereals.

2)Gradually increase variety:Gradually introduce new foods,one at a time,to monitor for signs of allergy or intolerance.

3)Breast feeding remains essential .

Recommended foods(6–12 months)

1) Fruits:Mashed banana,avacado,mango,papaya.

2) Vegetables :Mashed sweet potato,carrot, and green beans.

3)Cereals:Rice cereal,wheat cereal, and oatmeal.

4)Protein Sources:Mashed lentils,chickpeas,and white of boiled eggs.

5)Dairy:Breast Milk or formula as the primary source of dairy.

Feeding Tips.

1)feed in small frequent meals:offer two to three solid meals and one to two snack’s per day.

2)Make meal time interactive:Engage with your baby during meals to promote bonding and healthy habits.

3)Avoid force feeding:Never force feed your baby,as this can lead to mealtime battles and negative associations with food.

4)Monitor for sign’s for fullness:Pay attention to your baby’s cues,such as turning away or pushing the spoon away.

Foods to Avoid(0–12 months)

1)Honey:Avoid giving honey to infants under 12 months due to the risk of botulism.

2)Raw and undercooked eggs:Avoid giving raw and undercooked eggs due to the risk of salmonella infection.

3)Unpasteurised Dairy:Avoid giving unpasteurised dairy products to infants due to risk of bacterial contamination.

4)High sugar foods:Limit or avoid giving high sugar foods to infants,as they can lead to unhealthy eating habits and dental cavities.

ADDITIONAL TIPS;

Follow proper guidelines:Ensure proper food handling,storage,and preparation to minimise the risk of foodborne illness.

Be patient and flexible:Every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.Be patient and flexible when introducing new foods.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

Life naturally slows down in winter. The days grow shorter, light becomes scarce, and we respond by planting ourselves in front of the television or hiding under the covers to stay warm. But how do you know when a seasonal slump is a more serious problem?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a category of depression that emerges in particular seasons of the year. Most people notice SAD symptoms starting in the fall and increasing during the winter months, but a few people experience a spring/summer version. Let’s take a look at some common questions you might have about this disorder.

What are the most common symptoms of SAD?

SAD symptoms are the same criteria you’d need for a diagnosis of major depression. These might include a depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep and appetite, a loss of pleasure in activities you once loved, and even thoughts of death or suicide. Persons with the winter version of SAD might also notice the following unique symptoms:

• Heaviness in arms and legs
• Frequent oversleeping
• Cravings for carbohydrates/weight gain
• Relationship problems

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Do you feel depressed?

Take our 2-minute Depression quiz to see if you may benefit from further diagnosis and treatment.

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Is SAD a “lighter” version of major depression?

No, even though this is a common misconception. SAD is a “specifier” of major depression, which is just a fancy word for a more specific kind, or subtype. Persons with seasonal affective disorder experience the symptoms at a particular time of year. With the changing of seasons, their depression goes into remission. If you notices this switch happening several times over two years, then you may qualify for this diagnosis.

What causes SAD?

Researchers have yet to uncover the specific cause for SAD. We do know however, that several factors are at play. The reduction in sunlight in winter can throw your biological clock out of whack and reduce levels of serotonin (a brain chemical that regulates your mood) and melatonin (a chemical which regulates sleep and mood).

If you are young and female, you are also at increased risk for SAD. People who live farther from the equator or have a family history of depression also experience the symptoms more frequently.

How do I know when to call a doctor?

Sure, everyone has days in the winter when they feel sluggish or unmotivated. But if your symptoms are causing disruptions in your life, then never hesitate to reach out to a professional. If symptoms occur for days at a time, you notice major shifts in sleeping or eating, you are withdrawing socially, or the activities that usually boost your mood don’t work, then it’s time to pick up your phone. Seek immediate help if you are using alcohol to manage symptoms or you are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

How do I get the best care for SAD?

It’s never too late if you’re already experiencing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Seeking treatment can help prevent them from becoming worse. You can schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or make an appointment with a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed counselor. Check to see if your workplace has an Employee Assistance Program that offers free counseling or referrals to providers in your community.

To get the best level of care, sit down and engage your brain before your appointment. Play detective, and take some notes about the frequency and nature or your symptoms, other mental and physical health concerns you have, and observations about what helps your depression or makes it worse. You can also jot down specific questions you might have for your doctor. These might include:

• What might also be causing my symptoms instead of SAD?
• What treatments have your patients found helpful in the past?
• Would you recommend a mental health provider in the community?
• Are there any behavioral changes I can make today to help my mood?
• Are there any written resources you’d recommend?

When you’re at the doctor’s office, he or she may conduct a physical exam or lab tests to rule out other physical causes for your depression. The doctor may also recommend that you see a mental health professional to receive a more thorough assessment.

What treatments might work for me?

With any mental health problem, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Here are a few options to explore with your doctor.

• Medication – Antidepressants have proven to be effective for people with SAD, especially those with intense symptoms. Medication requires patience, because it can take several weeks before you begin to feel the effects. It’s also important not to stop taking the medication if you feel better. Consult with your doctor before you change your dosage, and let him or her know if you experience any side effects.

• Psychotherapy – Talk therapy can be an invaluable option for those with SAD. A psychotherapist can help you identify patterns in negative thinking and behavior that impact depression, learn positive ways of coping with symptoms, and institute relaxation techniques that can help you restore lost energy.

• Light therapy – Phototherapy involves exposing oneself to light via a special box or lamp. This device produces similar effects to natural light, triggering chemicals in your brain that help regulate your mood. This treatment has proven effective especially for those who experience the winter version of SAD. Don’t make an impulse buy on the Internet though, as it’s important to consult with your doctor first. You want to make sure you’ve purchased an effective and safe device.

But what can I do today?

In addition to seeking help from your doctor, there are lifestyle changes that can improve symptoms and lift your mood. You might try going outside more often, getting plenty of sunlight, exercising, avoiding drugs and alcohol, getting plenty of sleep, and practicing relaxation exercises.

Planning a healthier lifestyle is never a bad idea. But don’t beat yourself up if your symptoms don’t improve right away. Don’t brush them off as the January blues and simply hunker down until spring. Asking for help is a sign of strength and movement towards a better version of yourself. Consider how you can start managing seasonal affective disorder today and live a healthier life in every season.

HEALTHY EATING TO PROMOTE STRONG TEETH IN CHILDREN

The foods children eat directly affect the status of their dental health long term. One of the best things a parent can do for their kids’ teeth, outside of promoting proper oral hygiene habits, is teaching them to make nutritional and health advancing dietary choices. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, starches, and sugars can cause dental decay and have a negative impact on dental health when consumed in immoderate amounts or when left on the teeth too long after eating. Fostering a healthy and well balanced diet for children from an early age helps form habits that result in a lifetime of strong teeth and overall better health.

Making Nutritional Choices For Healthy Teeth and Gums

  In addition to brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once daily, kids should consume a well-balanced and nutritional diet, to not only promote overall health but also help build a strong healthy smile.

        Some tips for helping kids make nutritional choices to keep their teeth healthier and cleaner: • Lean meats, nuts, and proteins—These are a good source of protein for children and help strengthen tooth enamel. Consider turkey, chicken, and white fish as good examples of lean meats. Nuts are a great healthy snack and a quick source of energy for kids. Low sugar peanut butters are good snack options as well.

Fruits and vegetables—Fruits and veggies are a good snack alternative to foods rich in carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables with high water content like melons, pears, celery, and cucumbers are especially good for dental hygiene and actually help clean the teeth. Eating crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables every day helps remove some substances thatadhere to the surface of the teeth when eating, as well as promote overall health. • Cheese and low-fat dairy products—Aged cheeses like cheddar, swiss, and monterey jack help generate the flow of saliva, which aids in removing food particles from the teeth. Offer these as a snack or as part of a child’s lunch. Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt can also promote oral health. • Unsweetened foods—Buying unsweetened foods helps decrease the amount of sugar to potentially cause decay in your child’s mouth. • Calcium Sources—Strong sources of calcium are crucial to your child’s bones and for building strong teeth. Low-fat milks, cheese, yogurt, and broccoli are good sources of calcium. • Water instead of sugary juices or soda—Sodas, juices, and even milk can contain large amounts of sugar that can cause dental decay. Limit the amount of sugary drinks a child consumes and get your child in the habit of primarily drinking water. Water in general helps wash the teeth. Also, never put a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice! • Xylitol-sweetened or sugar free gum—If your child chews gum make sure it is sugar free or sweetened with Xylitol. Xylitol actually decreases bacteria in the mouth, and the action of chewing supports saliva flow, which helps wash away food particles from the teeth.   

Dental Treatment for Children.

Dental treatment in children focus on preventing and addressing dental problems,ensuring healthy development of primary and permanent teeth.These treatment range from preventative measures like cleanings and fluoride treatments to restorative procedures like fillings and extractions,with some children also requiring orthodontic interventions for misalignment.

HEAVY METALS FOUND IN POPULAR FRUIT JUICES

Nearly half of 45 fruit juices tested had elevated levels of heavy metals, which can pose health risks for children and adults, Consumer Reports has found.

The report, released Wednesday, says that even small amounts of juice might hold risks.

"In some cases, drinking just 4 ounces a day — or half a cup — is enough to raise concern," James Dickerson, PhD, chief scientific officer for CR, says in the report.

If anything, the results simply reinforce existing concerns about fruit juices.

"I don't think we need to say you can't give your kids any juice," says Steven Abrams, MD, a professor of pediatrics at Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin. But, he says, "juice is not a product that is intrinsically healthy for children." He co-authored the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines on juice, which set limits by age.

Meanwhile, juice producers say the report needlessly alarms consumers.

How Was the Testing Done?

Consumer Reports experts tested 45 juices made by 24 brands, including well-known and lesser-known brands such as Gerber, Minute Maid, Mott's, Great Value from Walmart, Clover Valley from Dollar General, and Big Win from Rite Aid. Those tested included organic products, too, as well as store brands from Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.

In the report, 24 products are listed as ''better alternatives."

Still, all but one of the juices in the Consumer Reports tests had inorganic arsenic levels below the FDA’s proposed limit of 10 parts per billion, and 58% had levels below CR’s recommended cutoff of 3 ppb. Trader Joe's Fresh Pressed Apple Juice was the only product above the 10 ppb threshold. CR says its tests found three samples averaged 15.4 ppb.

There is no scientific evidence indicating that the presence of trace levels of heavy metals in juice has caused any negative health outcomes among individuals at any life stage.Patricia Faison, technical director of the Juice Products Association

What Are the Health Risks From Heavy Metals?

Depending on how much and how long the exposure is, heavy metals can pose risks to children and adults. Risks include a lower IQ, behavior problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, among many other health issues, CR says.

Experts worry about accumulated heavy metals not from only juice, but other sources. They are found not only in food and drink, but throughout the environment; plants absorb the heavy metals from contaminated soil and water, CR says.

What Does This Mean for Children and Adults?

The best advice about serving juice to children is to limit it, says Abrams, who is also director of the Dell Pediatric Research Institute. Broaden their choices, he adds. "Don't use only apple or orange."

Among the misconceptions among parents, he says, is that organic juices are lower in heavy metals. Not true, he says. "Families should not assume that choosing the organic label guarantees being free of toxins."

He also discourages serving children juice from juice boxes or pouches. "Kids will tend to sip on it, and they get a lot of juice sitting on their teeth [risking cavities]. It's convenient, I get that. But I think they tend to drink more."

What Do the Juice Manufacturers Say?

In a statement, Patricia Faison, technical director of the Juice Products Association, an industry group, accused Consumer Reports of raising unnecessary concern.

"There is no scientific evidence indicating that the presence of trace levels of heavy metals in juice has caused any negative health outcomes among individuals at any life stage," she says.

"The juice industry is committed to providing safe, high-quality nutritious juice that meets or exceeds regulations established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food safety."

Producers of juice also conduct their own testing, Faison says.

Gerber also responded, saying in part: "At Gerber, we always go the extra mile to provide high-quality and safe nutrition for little ones. When it comes to our juice, this means regular testing of our ingredients, water and finished juices, working closely with our farmers to reduce and limit contaminants, and using some of the most precise analytical equipment and test methods available."

Sources:

Consumer Reports: "Arsenic and Lead Are In Your Fruit Juice: What You Need to Know."

Patricia Faison, technical director, Juice Products Association.

Cathy Dunn, spokesperson, Nestle.

Steven Abrams, MD, professor of pediatrics, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin; director, Dell Pediatric Research Institute.

American Academy of Pediatrics: "Fruit Juice in Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Current Recommendations."

They focused on levels of cadmium, lead, mercury, and inorganic arsenic, saying that these elements pose some of the greatest risks and that research has found they are common in food and drink. The juices tested were apple, fruit blends, grape, and pear.

The new testing was done as a follow-up to a study in 2011, when CR found elevated levels of inorganic arsenic and lead in apple and grape juices. The new evaluation was done to see if there's been improvement, to test other juices, and to test for other heavy metals.

What Are the Major Findings?

Overall, CR says, heavy metal levels in fruit juices have declined since their last testing. But in the new report, every juice contained at least one of the four metals tested, and 47%, or 21, had concerning levels of cadmium, inorganic arsenic, and/or lead. None had concerning levels of mercury. Other major conclusions:

• Seven of the 21 had enough heavy metals to potentially harm children who drink a half-cup or more a day, and nine of the 21 held risks for kids drinking a cup or more a day.
• Ten of the juices posed a risk to adults, too: Five were potentially hazardous at a half-cup or more a day, and five at a cup or more a day.
• The highest heavy metal levels were in grape juice and juice blends.
• Organic juices did not have lower heavy metal levels than non-organic.
• 
  
  In the report, 24 products are listed as ''better alternatives."

  Still, all but one of the juices in the Consumer Reports tests had inorganic arsenic levels below the FDA’s proposed limit of 10 parts per billion, and 58% had levels below CR’s recommended cutoff of 3 ppb. Trader Joe's Fresh Pressed Apple Juice was the only product above the 10 ppb threshold. CR says its tests found three samples averaged 15.4 ppb.

  There is no scientific evidence indicating that the presence of trace levels of heavy metals in juice has caused any negative health outcomes among individuals at any life stage.Patricia Faison, technical director of the Juice Products Association

  What Are the Health Risks From Heavy Metals?

  Depending on how much and how long the exposure is, heavy metals can pose risks to children and adults. Risks include a lower IQ, behavior problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, among many other health issues, CR says.

  Experts worry about accumulated heavy metals not from only juice, but other sources. They are found not only in food and drink, but throughout the environment; plants absorb the heavy metals from contaminated soil and water, CR says.

  What Does This Mean for Children and Adults?

  The best advice about serving juice to children is to limit it, says Abrams, who is also director of the Dell Pediatric Research Institute. Broaden their choices, he adds. "Don't use only apple or orange."

  Among the misconceptions among parents, he says, is that organic juices are lower in heavy metals. Not true, he says. "Families should not assume that choosing the organic label guarantees being free of toxins."

  He also discourages serving children juice from juice boxes or pouches. "Kids will tend to sip on it, and they get a lot of juice sitting on their teeth [risking cavities]. It's convenient, I get that. But I think they tend to drink more."

  What Do the Juice Manufacturers Say?

  In a statement, Patricia Faison, technical director of the Juice Products Association, an industry group, accused Consumer Reports of raising unnecessary concern.

  "There is no scientific evidence indicating that the presence of trace levels of heavy metals in juice has caused any negative health outcomes among individuals at any life stage," she says.

  "The juice industry is committed to providing safe, high-quality nutritious juice that meets or exceeds regulations established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food safety."

  Producers of juice also conduct their own testing, Faison says.

  Gerber also responded, saying in part: "At Gerber, we always go the extra mile to provide high-quality and safe nutrition for little ones. When it comes to our juice, this means regular testing of our ingredients, water and finished juices, working closely with our farmers to reduce and limit contaminants, and using some of the most precise analytical equipment and test methods available."

  Sources:

  Consumer Reports: "Arsenic and Lead Are In Your Fruit Juice: What You Need to Know."

  Patricia Faison, technical director, Juice Products Association.

  Cathy Dunn, spokesperson, Nestle.

  Steven Abrams, MD, professor of pediatrics, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin; director, Dell Pediatric Research Institute.

  American Academy of Pediatrics: "Fruit Juice in Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Current Recommendations."