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Early Childhood Intervention
This website is a place for families who are facing
challenges pertaining to their child's development and
growth.
It is a place to find answers and practical
suggestions. That's what Early Intervention Support is all
about.
Whether a family has a child with a challenging behavior,
a disability or developmental issue, childhood is short - it
should be savored and enjoyed.
Learn More:
Ask a Therapist
We understand developmental milestones and the challenges
of Special Needs children. We spend a great deal of time
with families understanding the inner workings of childhood
routines and interactions. Ask us about your child today!
Ask a Therapist
The Importance of Vitamin D
Mounting research is prompting news reports on the
recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D. In the past it was
believed that we get enough Vitamin D from sunlight and foods
(specifically vitamin D fortified milk, oily fish, shrimp and
eggs). Baby formula is also fortified with Vitamin D however
children that are breastfed may need a supplement, depending
upon the mothers own Vitamin D levels. To meet new
recommendations we would need to drink four glasses of vitamin D
milk a day. It would also appear that some people's bodies are
not able to store Vitamin D to a level sufficient for health
benefits. These people may then need a supplement. The
American Academy of Pediatrics has doubled its recommendations
to 400 units daily.
The main function of Vitamin D is to maintain proper calcium
levels in the blood. Vitamin D boosts the immune system,
strengthens bones and helps keep inflammation in check. It is
thought that this has the potential for dramatic overall effects
on preventing diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart
disease. There are ongoing studies that are looking at the
benefits of even higher levels of Vitamin D for reducing the
risk of diseases such as cancer. The amount needed for such
uses has yet to be decided. What is clear is that Vitamin D is
essential for overall health.
Try to encourage lots of fish, shrimp, milk and at least 15 minutes a day
of outdoor play where children are exposed to direct sunlight. The best way
to obtain Vitamin D is through direct sunlight (without sunscreen so be
careful to limit to 15-20 minutes). In this form Vitamin D is most
accessible to the body and there is no risk of overdose. If these options
are not enough (such as if you have dark skin or live in less sunny
climates) you may want to consider having a blood test to check your Vitamin
D levels and subsequently add supplements.
References :
Pediatricians double vitamin D recommendations, by Lindsay Tanner,
AP medical writer.
Doubling of Vitamin D for children is urged, by The
Associated Press (in nytimes.com)
Vitamin D: New guidelines for Children, by Miranda Hitti
WEbMD Health News
The worlds healthiest foods -
www.whfoods.org - what can
high-vitamin d foods do for you?
by Tara Deringor, PT
Parenting Tips in Other Areas IncludeLearn More About Early InterventionTherapy OptionsThankfully, there are many ways to deal with childhood developmental
delays and behaviors. These include in-home services, outpatient (you take
your child to a clinic), inpatient (following injury or surgery) and school
based services. Which type of therapy should you choose? Visit our Therapy Options
area to learn more. Return to Top
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