health sectionhealth sectionA high platelet count, also known as thrombocytosis, means there are too many platelets or thrombocytes, which are cells that help blood to clot. An elevated platelet count is not unusual in young children. Normal platelet numbers range between 150,000 to 450,000 in a microliter of blood. Testing the platelet count in your blood helps to diagnose disorders of the blood and bone marrow.
Chlorine tablets are used for keeping swimming pools sanitized and safe for use. Though other options exist on the market, many people prefer using chlorine tablets over chlorine-free options. The tablets are effective but pose safety hazards for people, a big concern if you have children or if children frequent your pool.
Children with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 21 are generally considered overweight and may also have high cholesterol. This can be reversed by changing the diet to one that includes heart-healthy fats: olive, flaxseed, hemp seed or fish fats (by consuming fatty fish). Children will model after parents, so if the entire family adopts a low-cholesterol way of eating, success is easier. View My Food Pyramid by the USDA for kids (link in Resources) and see healthy menu guidelines.
You may think that cholesterol is a problem only for adults. But with the prevalence of junk food and sedentary activities like video games, many children are facing adult health problems typically associated with being overweight or obesity. Cholesterol is a type of fat. There are two main types: HDL cholesterol is good for your body; it helps your circulatory system. LDL cholesterol can harden your arteries and block blood flow, leading to health risks. Weight loss, as well as a healthy diet and exercise, are vital for reducing a child's cholesterol.
Despite contrary belief, adults are not the only people who can suffer from high cholesterol. Children, too, can suffer from levels of cholesterol that are too high, which can lead to help problem as the child grows older. High cholesterol is caused by a buildup of fatty plaque on artery walls, which makes it more difficult for blood to flow from the heart to other organs. Fortunately, high cholesterol levels in children can be controlled, but first it's necessary to understand what the cause of the high cholesterol is.
Xenical is a prescription weight-loss medication used by doctors to treat severely overweight individuals with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 30. It may also be prescribed for individuals with a BMI under 30 if they are at risk for obesity. According to the manufacturer, Roche, Xenical works by blocking up to one-third of the fat you consume in your diet. Xenical comes in capsule form and will typically be dispensed by your pharmacist in a prescription pill bottle. The storage guidelines are similar to most prescription medicines.
