Parents of children with autism often try diet changes or supplements to ease symptoms of the disorder, but a new review concludes there's no solid evidence that any work.

After analyzing 19 clinical trials, researchers found little proof that dietary tactics -- from gluten-free foods to fish oil supplements -- helped children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Some studies showed positive effects, while others found nothing, the researchers said. Overall, the trials were too small and short-term to draw conclusions one way or the other.

"Even though we don't have clear evidence documenting safety and efficacy, many -- if not most -- families of children with ASDs try different diets and nutritional supplements at some point in time," said senior researcher Zachary Warren.

Parents often feel there is at least no harm in trying, according to Warren, an associate professor of pediatrics, psychiatry and special education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

But, "that's not always a safe assumption," he said.

"For example, some nutritional supplements can actually cause harm in high doses," Warren noted.

He recommended that parents talk to their doctor before changing their child's diet or adding supplements.

Others agreed.

"It's very important for parents to consult with their child's pediatrician if they are tempted to try a dietary intervention," said Geraldine Dawson. She is director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, in Durham, N.C.

"Since kids with autism are already picky-eaters, it's critical to consider the nutritional impact of any change in the child's diet," she said.

Dawson wrote an editorial that accompanied the study, published online May 25 in the journal Pediatrics.

Thomas Frazier is chief science officer for the non-profit Autism Speaks. He also encouraged parents to talk to their child's doctor about nutrition, including supplements.

Some parents might hesitate to do that, Frazier said, because they feel their doctor will be resistant to those types of approaches. "But that may just be your perception," he noted. "I think it's important to have these conversations."

Everyone also agreed on another point: Larger, "high-quality" studies are needed to know whether certain diets or supplements benefit at least some kids.

Dawson pointed out that "it's hard for parents to know whether a specific intervention is actually effective unless it's been carefully studied. Parents deserve to have answers so they know how best to spend their time and money."

The new review findings were based on 19 clinical trials Warren's team dug up in a search of the medical literature. The studies were small, including anywhere from 12 to 92 kids, and they typically lasted less than six months.

Several studies looked at whether omega-3 fatty acids made a difference in children's language abilities, behavior or social skills.

There was no clear evidence of a benefit, Warren's team said. In a couple of trials, kids given a placebo (an inactive substance) showed bigger improvements than those on omega-3 supplements.

According to Dawson, it's been found that up to 30 percent of children with autism spectrum disorders "respond" to placebos -- highlighting how important well-controlled studies are.

Some other trials tested supplements -- such as digestive enzymes and methyl B-12 -- with mixed results. One study, for example, found that digestive enzymes seemed to improve kids' digestive symptoms and behavioral issues, while another found no benefit.

As for diet, several studies examined gluten-free/casein-free diets -- which are commonly advocated for kids with autism. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley; casein is a milk protein.

Again, Warren's team found the results were mixed. Plus, the studies that did find a benefit were less rigorously done, the researchers said.

It is inherently tricky to study the role of diet changes or supplements in managing autism spectrum disorders, according to Warren.

The disorders are complex and vary widely from one person to another: One child might have milder problems with communication and social skills, while another might be profoundly affected -- speaking little, if at all, and getting wrapped up in repetitive, obsessive behaviors.

So it's possible, Warren said, that a dietary approach could benefit certain children, but not others.

It will take larger, "well thought-out" trials to get clearer answers, Warren said.

Frazier agreed. "We know ASDs are not just 'one thing,' " he said. "We need more information on whether there are subgroups of children who might be more responsive to a given dietary intervention."

In the United States, roughly one in every 68 children has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts believe that a mix of factors make certain children vulnerable -- including genetics and certain environmental exposures during early brain development.

The rest is here:
Do Supplements, Special Diets Help Autism? - Newsmax

Descriptions and photos of the pets are submitted by the organizations and sent to the Valley News. If youre interested in meeting or adopting one of the featured pets, please contact the organizations via the links in the pets descriptions.

And if youre involved with a pet adoption organization in the Upper Valley and want to contribute to this feature, please email mcassidy@vnews.com.

Read past editions of this column at http://www.vnews.com/adoptablepets.

Rosemary, adoptable from Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society

Hi! My names Rosemary and Im a 10-year-old spayed female. I was found as a stray and brought safely to Lucy Mackenzie. I really can't explain why I was a stray, but Im most certainly not meant to be one!I like living indoors, where its safe and warm and where theres plenty of food.

Speaking of food, Im healthiest when Im eating a special hypoallergenic diet, which the people here can tell you about. To make sure thats the only food I consume, I have my very own condo here at the shelter, which I dont mind one little bit. As a matter of fact, its helped me to decide that I would like to live as the only catin my new home.

If youve been looking for a senior gal who is full of personality and incredibly deserving, stop in and meet me today.

Rosemary is up for adoption fromLucy Mackenzie Humane Society, located at 4832 Route 44 in West Windsor and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 12-4 p.m. Lucy Mackenzie is also onFacebookandTwitterand can be reached at 802-484-5829.

Beau, adoptable from Upper Valley Humane Society

Hi! My name is Beau and I am a 5-year-old pit bull/hound mix. I am a sweet boy who can be a bit shy at first in new situations. I am strong, energetic and would benefit from an active home with someone who can explore new things with me.

My previous owner says that I am house and crate trained. I would be OK in a home with older children and dogs pending an introduction. If you think you are the one for me, please stop by and meet me today!

Beau is up for adoption from theUpper Valley Humane Society, located at 300 Old Route 10 in Enfield and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Upper Valley Humane Society is also onFacebookandInstagramand can be reached at 603-448-6888.

David, adoptable from Sullivan County Humane Society

I am 4-year-old David. I am a big softy. I was surrendered along with 12 other cats when my family had to move. They were not able to take any of us with them so we all came here

I get along fine with other cats and would love a family of my own! I am vet checked, neutered, treated for fleas and worms, vaccinated for rabies and distemper, tested negative for FIV/FeLV and microchipped.

David is up for adoption fromSullivan County Humane Society, located at 145 Broad St. in Claremont. Please see hours on the humane society website at http://www.sullivancountyhumanesociety.org andFacebook. Call 603-542-3277 or email sullivanhumane@hotmail.com.

Read the original here:
Adoptable Pets in the Upper Valley - Valley News

Paragliding at Torry Pines Gliderport. Ryan Miller Photography / -

The winds are balmy but firm atop the seaside cliffs of La Jolla, Calif., just right for lifting the tandem para gliders from the grassy edge and carrying them gently out over the sea.

They swoop over the beach far below, dotted with walkers who squint and point skyward, and across the deeper shimmering waters of the Pacific, to float blissfully along in the sunshine.

Pure freedom.

The best part? Its all safely controlled by an experienced pilot. You can sign up for a tandem paragliding flight off these stunning 100-metrecliffs, no experience necessary, and experience the miracle of flight for yourself at the Torrey Pines Gliderport.

Should you?

San Diego is an ideal destination for winter-weary Albertans. Its west coast location provides warm weather (an average 22C year round), beautiful sand beaches and an abundance of outdoor pursuits for all tastes, just a three-hour flight from Calgary.

The best of California is here, from the cuisine to the consistent sunny weather, a thriving arts scene and a laid back vibe. And if youre up for some high-flying fun, the areas consistent temperatures and mild, moderate winds make it an ideal destination for airborne adventures and San Diego offers more than the average number of ways to take to the skies.

The cliffs of La Jolla, 20 minutes north of San Diego, have always drawn the wind-seekers, and now there are more options than ever to let you experience safe, beginner flight. Maybe youre not ready for a solo flight across the sea? Head to the area for an afternoon picnic and enjoy the sight of the gliders taking off and landing. The facility has free parking, plentiful picnic tables atop the bluffs and delicious homemade sandwiches (try the California Chicken on sourdough) at the snack bar. Golfers can revel in the proximity to the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course; if thats more your style, sign up for a round at the public course, or enjoy a hike along the bluffs at the adjacent Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, where gentle hiking trails lead you past bizarre sandstone formations and the rare Torrey Pine trees to some of the most breathtaking ocean vistas on the California coast.

Theres no better way to take in the aerial geography than a private helicopter flight. Strap in for the Diego Delights tour with Corporate Helicopters the half-hour tour with a friendly local pilot will take you up and down the coast in style. Cruising low over the landmarks, like the bright green field of Petco Park stadium (home of the San Diego Padres), the downtown buildings, the San Diego Zoo and leafy 1,200-acre Balboa Park, and up along the cliffs to view mansions with the ocean views, is a unique way to see get a whole new perspective on the place. Its best to wait until early afternoon when the mornings hazy marine layer has lifted, for the clearest views.

Round out the afternoon with a wander through San Diegos historic Old Town district, and when the sun sets, head to the lively Corvette Diner for a 50s-style burger and milkshake.

Early riser? Head inland for a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Theres nothing quite like lifting off just as the sun rises, or cruising along and then over the edge of a bluff with your face in the breeze. North County offers the most temperate winds its one of the few places where hot air balloons can fly at both sunrise and sunset. A morning cruise with California Dreamin is just right to take in sunrise, amazing views and some of the spectacular topography of the area; follow it up with a champagne brunch and a wine tasting, and youve got a start on a pretty uplifting day.

Always wanted to try skydiving? Get a taste of it at iFLY San Diego, a marvel of wind-tunnel engineering that allows you to feel like youre free-falling toward the Earth. Its not just for fun serious skydivers practise their moves here. As youll quickly see by watching the instructors, there are some pretty wild mid-air manoeuvres to be learned. But well settle for just holding our bodies steady and correctly. The adrenaline will be pumping by the time you step into the wind tunnel, with flight suit, helmet and goggles in place; you can even participate in some aerial spinning tricks by the end. Safe skydiving is both thrilling and controlled. Who knew?

Riding the Zip Zoom at La Jolla. TARO OTAKE / -

For a day trip thats full of adrenalin but still firmly tethered to the Earth, head inland to check out the new La Jolla Zip Zoom Californias longest zipline. Its worth the hour and a half drive from San Diego (be sure to stop along the way for the fruit stands selling juicy, fresh-picked oranges) to fly across the peaks and valleys of the La Jolla Indian Reservation in Pauma Valley, dropping down from a wide, open-air hilltop platform and through a series of wildly different ziplines. Early morning zippers may catch sight of coyotes and deer dashing across the land, their long shadows stretched out over the ground. The whole line runs 1,900 metresand speeds can get up to 88 km/h, but the best part is the parallel lines, which let you and a partner experience the zip side-by-side. The final zip takes you in over the leafy treetops and down along the riverbed of the San Luis Rey River for a serene finish.

When youre ready to come down from some of these highs, head to one of the San Diego areas many beaches and end one of your days with the classic smores on the beach. Where? Beach-front hotels and club like the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club will offer guests the chance to book a grill, or you can head to the public beaches, like Mission Bay Park, where its first come first served for barbecues. Pull up a chair and watch the sun set over the Pacific while you toast to your great adventure.

Here are three medium-budget, well located, family friendly properties that will keep you close to the high-flying action.

Sophistication and Location

For a hip little oasis is right in the middle of La Jolla, easy to find and just a few minutes stroll to the beach, check into Hotel La Jolla-Curio Collection. Modern, clean lines and earthy touches give this place a California-cool vibe, The highrise rooms feature open-air hallways at the back, floor-to-ceiling windows to stunning ocean views at the front. The bustling top-floor restaurant CUSP offers drinks, dinner and sunset at the end of the day. (From $220 US)

Family Friendly Destination Resort

Book yourself in at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, a family friendly San Diego hotel that offers a Mediterranean-estate feel with endless, beautiful interconnected breezeways, patios and gardens. Spacious rooms with serene views, and three heated pools. The family pool features a cornucopia of poolside fun including ping-pong tables, games, kids complimentary goggles and inflatable pool toys, as well as a spacious hot tub to keep the parents happy. End a busy day on the outdoor patio area of the Veranda Fireside Lounge, where diners are treated to live music nightly. (From $259 US)

Elegant, Historic Hacienda

Luxury poolside cabanas beside a heated saltwater pool, with comfortable, well appointed rooms in an lush, rambling estate, the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa has the feel of a boutique oasis. Its location, high on the Torrey Pines mesa, is prime for high-flyers as well as those who seek a quiet, elegant retreat. The best place to end the day here is at the quiet pool which features outdoor fire pits and casual seating. (From $184 US)

For More Information

High-flying adventures range from $99 to $175 US per person.

Hot Air ballooning: californiadreamin.com

Helicopter Tour: corporatehelicopters.com

Californias Longest Zip Line: lajollazipzoom.com

Paragliding and Hang-gliding: flytorrey.com

Indoor Skydiving: iflyworld.com/san-diego/

Smores on the Beach: La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club: ljbtc.com

Hilton La Jolla: curiocollection3.hilton.com

Rancho Bernardo Inn: ranchobernardoinn.com

Estancia La Jolla: meritagecollection.com/estancialajolla/hotel/

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High flying fun in San Diego - Calgary Herald

At last we can safely forecast how Gov. Bruce Rauner and Illinois Republicans will reduce spending so as to balance our long-overdue state budget.

No, they haven't put anything in writing. Instead they're letting state Democrats lead with their chins. The Illinois Senate just passed, without a single GOP vote, a balanced plan featuring $2 billion in spending cuts and more than $5 billion in new taxes a start toward paying down $15 billion in overdue bills.

With the spring session wrapping up Wednesday, Republicans can now be coy, decrying the proposed tax increases and calling for more if unspecified cuts.

But, lo and behold, their GOP brethren in Washington have, more or less, spilled the beans. President Donald Trump issued his 10-year federal spending projection and it indicates exactly where Republicans think too much money is being spent. And while our governor may not suffer from the flamboyancies that afflict our president, I'd argue their priorities are not that different.

The Trump plan, coupled with the GOP's Obamacare replacement, would reduce federal spending over 10 years from the Medicaid program for low-income and disabled Americans and the Children's Health Insurance Program by $616 billion. Meanwhile, spending on the military would be increased more than that amount.

The U.S. Department of Education would take a 13 percent cut, ending, for instance, subsidies for afterschool and summer programs. Gov. Rauner, not coincidentally, is pushing for a four-year freeze on property taxes, about two-thirds of which go to fund Illinois public schools. Squeeze play.

Other savings under Trump's 10-year plan would come from a $190 billion diet imposed on the SNAP food stamp program, a $143 billion cut to student loans, a $40 billion tightening of the earned income tax credit for low-wage workers, and a $72 billion trimming of benefits for the disabled.

Anybody see a pattern here?

The closest similarity between Trump and Rauner priorities, however, has less to do with budget cuts than their faith in the power of tax cuts to boost economic growth, create jobs and prod the "able bodied" from welfare to workplace.

Many economists are dubious, but Trump hopes to spur the economy by eliminating the inheritance tax and the alternative minimum tax; lowering the top rate on individuals to 35 percent; and slashing the corporate rate by more than half to 15 percent. If the latter change flies, look for a lot of savvy high-earners to begin selling their services as corporations.

Back in Illinois, Rauner has indicated he'd go along with increasing individual and corporate income tax rates, but only in return for that school-stiffing property tax freeze, plus an assortment of nonbudget items ranging from political remap reforms to term limits on elected officials.

My hunch all along, though, is that Rauner, despite his professed concerns for Illinois' business climate, already has what he wants. To wit: a regressive, nongraduated state income tax; and property taxes that, while high, are fully deductible from one's federal taxable income. For the very wealthy, it doesn't get much better than this, short of moving to Montana.

So as we head into the stretch drive in Springfield, don't look for this governor to reach for the budgetary olive branch offered by Senate Democrats.

That's not his game. Nor is it the game of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who likely views the only solution as the defeat of Rauner in the 2018 elections.

Between now and then, a lot of people will suffer as state-funded social services and education programs wither, and Illinois' credit rating tanks.

Ironically this will be bad for business, as the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago reminded us, somewhat belatedly, in its recent analysis.

But others have their own priorities. And while our governor's may be at times obscured, our president's are now out there for all to see.

John McCarron teaches, consults and writes on urban affairs.

Link:
Balancing a budget the Republican way - Chicago Tribune

HYDERABAD:Ramadan is just around the corner and the whole city is gearing up for a month long of festivities, food and fun. Its also a time when one needs to keep an eye on one's health. Especially diabetics. To spread awareness Apollo Sugar has taken the initiative to extend diabetes care at various clinics across the city.

See a doctor a month earlier : We know that fasting is a very major aspect of Ramadan. health during the celebrations. Some of the risks associated with fasting are hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia and dehydration. Its always advised to see your doctor a month prior of Ramadan to check your blood sugar levels and get advice about fasting.

Can you fast? Based on the difference in blood sugar levels, Dr SG Mozam identifies three categories based on risks ; high, moderate and low. High risk patients should not fast for they have uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

This would include people who have recently been hospitalized due to diabetes, pregnant women, who have acute illness, etc, . Moderate risk patients can safely fast if they keep to all the precautions. This category would include people who are suffering from pre and borderline diabetes.

A healthy balanced diet Diabetics are always on a strict diet to maintain their health. This becomes impossible to follow during Ramadan due to irregular eating times and fasting. Its important to consume food rich in high carbs and fiber to satiate the hunger and provide strength.

Don't drift to oily and spicy dishes for they fill up the stomach in less quantity and are bad for longer intervals. Fruits and green vegetables are your friends who will fill you up with important nutrients. Avoid juices and carbonated drinks for they have high sugar content.

Original post:
Managing your diabetes this Ramadan - The New Indian Express

(Reuters Health) - - There is little or no evidence to support many popular therapies that aim to help children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), according to two new reviews of existing research.

ASDs are developmental disorders that can lead to social, communication and behavioral challenges. One review found some evidence that therapies targeting sensory issues provided at least short-term benefits, but the second review found little evidence to support the use of special diets or nutritional supplements for children with ASDs.

"I think they show how scattered the information we have is," said Catherine Lord, who directs the NewYork-Presbyterian Center for Autism and the Developing Brainin White Plains, New York.

"We need better ways of collecting systematic data about the treatments," said Lord, who was not involved with either review.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 68 children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with an ASD.

Amy Weitlauf and colleagues from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee cite statistics suggesting that up to 88 percent of people with ASD have sensory processing issues.

"People with autism can be over-sensitive with how something looks, feels or smells," Weitlauf told Reuters Health. "They can also be under-sensitive."

Weitlauf's team examined data from 24 studies that tested the effectiveness and safety of therapies for ASD sensory issues, including 20 randomized controlled studies that are considered the "gold standard" of medical research. They divided the therapies into six groups based on what the treatment involved: exposure to different sensations like touch or motion, exposure to sensations in environments, music therapy, massage therapy, interventions to filter out things like triggering sounds and finally, other approaches that didn't fit under one of those headings.

Overall, therapies that exposed children to different sensations improved measures of sensory and motor skills. Exposure to environmental therapies improved some cognition scores. Massage therapy improved symptom severity and sensory issues.

In all cases, however, the strength of the evidence was low - and the studies generally only looked at short periods of time.

"There is some encouraging early evidence that these treatments may be helpful for some children," said Weitlauf. "As far as which children and which treatment, thats less clear. Parents should talk to their treating providers to get their opinions on next steps."

In the second review, many of the same researchers looked at special diets and nutritional supplements used to treat ASD symptoms.

They analyzed 19 randomized controlled trials of therapies such as use of omega-3 supplements or gluten- or casein-free diets for children with ASD.

There was not enough evidence to endorse any of the diets or other therapies. Furthermore, the omega-3 supplements were tied to harms like infections and stomach issues.

"Even though we dont have clear evidence documenting safety and efficacy, many (if not most) families of children with ASD try different diets and nutritional supplements at some point in time," said senior author Zachary Warren, who is also at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

"There are often perceptions that such interventions will be safe and that they have fewer side effects than conventional medications," he added. "This isnt always a safe assumption."

Warren told Reuters Health that parents may have limited resources, and those resources should be spent on therapies with proven benefits.

"In this context, providers should join with families around this motivation, provide a transparent understanding of the evidence and harms, and link them with services of known benefit wherever possible," he said.

There is progress in developing new treatments for ASDs, Geraldine Dawson, of the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina, wrote in an editorial accompanying the new reviews.

"We must press forward by testing these treatments in the most rigorous fashion and be careful to limit our conclusions until definitive trials are conducted," she wrote.

SOURCE: bit.ly/2qk018d, bit.ly/2qkhKw2 and bit.ly/2qkuAuh Pediatrics, online May 26, 2017.

(Reuters Health) - - A new type of "heat-not-burn" cigarette releases some of the same cancer-causing chemicals found in traditional cigarette smoke, a recent experiment suggests.

SHANGHAI April Zhang, a 21-year-old student from Shanghai, reflects the fast-shifting attitudes of China's younger generations toward sex. She's confident to talk about a topic once taboo here and is well educated about the risks.

BOSTON CVS Health Corp's Omnicare unit has agreed to pay $23 million to resolve a long-running whistleblower lawsuit alleging that it took kickbacks from a drugmaker, according to settlement papers released on Friday.

More here:
Sensory and diet therapies for autism lack strong evidence - Reuters

It's Memorial Day weekend, the start of beach season in the United States. Is your body ready for prime time?

If not, don't panic. Real beach/lake weather doesn't start for several more weeks. And here's even better news: We have a diet that could help you achieve the hot bod you've always wanted.

The beacon in times of darkness, as always, is Cody Kessler. The Browns quarterback was looking to shed weight and gain strength heading into his second season, so he cooked up a plan with the team dietitian. The same exact thing, every day, for three months.

Kessler's meal plan, per ESPN.com:

PowerBar

two (2) scrambled eggs oatmeal with water two (2) pieces of fruit milk water

almonds

turkey and provolone sandwich (no toppings or condiments) fifteen (15) baby carrots banana water milk

pretzels with peanut butter

cooked chicken breast spinach plain whole wheat pasta (no sauce or dressing) milk water

Every day. Three months. No cheating.

"I really never committed myself to a meal plan that strict," Kessler said. "It was tough, but it was worth it."

Personally, a four-minute mile feels more plausible, but perhaps you have greater willpower than I. It worked for Kessler, who reached his fitness goals and didn't even have to spend $200 for Tom Brady's stupid cookbook.

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Cody Kessler Diet might be your summer salvation - NFL.com - NFL.com