Over the past half century, children’s free play time with other children has declined sharply, according to recent research. Over the same period, anxiety, depression, suicide, feelings of helplessness, and narcissism have increased sharply. It’s not hard to see the connection there. But why is play so important? “Studies dating back to 1964 suggest that exploration, self… »
Bath, book, bed: It’s a tried-and-true nighttime routine for many families—and the book part is especially key for children’s development. “No age is too early to start reading to your child—start as soon as you get home from the hospital,” says Elyse Jones, MD, pediatrician at St. Luke’s Allentown Pediatrics. “At this age, it doesn’t even matter what you’re reading—it cou… »
Two to three out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears, and others may develop hearing loss as they grow older, due to infections or exposure to loud noises. And this is concerning, as hearing is extremely important to a child’s development—socially, emotionally, and cognitively. That’s why childre… »
“Depending on what study you look at, between 60% and 70% of the U. S. population is either overweight or obese,” says Leonardo Claros, MD, FACS, Chief of Bariatric Surgery at St. Luke’s Weight Management Center. “It’s considered a pandemic, and the U. S. is the most obese nation in the world.” While being severely overweight is a health problem in itself, it can also aggr… »
Lunch is often the overlooked meal—barely a speed bump between morning and afternoon. Yet researchers have found that students who attend schools that contract with a healthy school lunch vendor score higher on state achievement tests. “A well-balanced diet provides nutrients that a child needs to supply energy for study and play, and to attain normal growth and developmen… »
As surely as night follows day, the clanging of school bells will soon replace the carefree sounds of summer. And while purchasing classroom supplies, signing up for after-school activities, and planning transportation are important, keeping kids happy and healthy at home and in the classroom should be at the top of your list. »
40°40’51″N 75°45’07″W COUNTY: LEHIGH ZIP CODE: 18066 POPULATION: ~ 898 In the northwest quadrant of the Lehigh Valley, New Tripoli sits between 78 and 476. This sleepy town, with plenty of green rolling hills, has a population just under 1,000 and enough farmland to satisfy even the most country-hungry city dwellers. Though originally called Saegers… »
Ever wanted to see a giraffe with polka dots and a fin? Or an elk with rainbow-colored, bendable antlers? Or a fire-breathing sparrow? Now’s your chance! Help Bean the sloth draw, color, or otherwise create your very own animal and send us your creation. Entries will be judged in age categories and announced in our next issue. Happy Coloring! Fill out the form below … »
