Omega 6 fats are found in vegetables, seeds, grains and their oils as well as in animals fed these products. They are necessary, but we consume far too much of them. The dramatic increase in dietary omega 6 fatty acids has come mostly from the intake of processed foods. These foods contain large amounts of soy and corn oil, sources of omega 6 fatty acids. Unfortunately, these fats are the precursors for the immune systems inflammatory cascade. The final result is an increase in disease burden through increased inflammation.

Omega 3 fats are found in fish, grass, almonds, flax and wild game meats. They are precursors to EPA and DHA, two fatty acids that our bodies utilize for brain and immune system function. Omega 3 fatty acids compete and reduce the harmful excessive omega 6 end products. Diets rich in omega 3 foods are associated with decreased cardiovascular morbidity, post partum depression, reduced neuropsychiatric disease morbidity and improved eye health. Looking at this list of foods, it is likely that your child does not get enough of these important EFAs.

Inflammation in our bodies is essential for normal healing processes, such as a sprained ankle or infection control. However, balance is the key to health and wellness. Excessive dietary omega 6 fatty acids are analogous to a tank of gasoline waiting around for a fire(disease) to feed and burn out of control. Inflammation is likely a root cause of most of our chronic diseases in children and adults. Therefore, a balanced essential fatty acid makeup in our diet will result in better brain and immune function while decreasing abnormal inflammation.

The take home message is to limit processed foods and try to get your omega 6 fats from whole foods, not their oils. Practically, this means avoiding fried foods, most commercially produced meats, snack foods made with soy, corn and other seed oils. If you prefer to eat meat, eat it sparingly and eat grass fed varieties that are hormone and antibiotic free.

Parenting is a life long responsibility. Educate your children by example and through love. Teach them to eat for life and wellness. As always, love your child, love your child and then love them some more all while parenting them.

Safe Sleeping Rules for Infants

- Do not sleep in the same bed with your baby. Use a crib, bassinet or playpen designed for babies. Do not allow your baby's older brothers or sisters to sleep with your baby.

- Do not fall asleep with your baby on a couch. Your baby may get wedged between the back of the couch and the larger person's body, or your baby's head may become buried in cushion crevices or soft cushions.

- Do not place your baby on a free-floating, wavy waterbed or similar surface in which the baby could suffocate.

- Do not place your sleeping baby on pillows, cushions, sofas or loose bedding.

- Keep excess bedding, toys, stuffed animals and pillows out of the crib while baby sleeps.

- Do not cover your baby's face with blankets while your baby is sleeping.

Grab a Bunch for Your Kidneys

Eating four of these a week can cut your kidney-cancer risk in half. Hint: You need to peel it.

Yep, we're talking bananas. They're bursting with phenolic compounds that appear to thwart renal- cancer cells. And that's not all the monkey's favorite fruit brings to your body . . . Phenols, Potassium, and More

Phenols -- plant-based substances linked to all sorts of health benefits, from cancer prevention to heart health -- aren't the only goodies that bananas have to offer. No doubt you already know about the super potassium stores in the yellow-skinned fruit (450 milligrams in one banana!). But they're also a good source of B vitamins like B6 and folate, plus calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Bananas Everywhere

A fresh, whole banana makes a great snack. But why stop there with this versatile fruit?

Skip the Frappuccino. Make this EatingWell smoothie instead: Blueberry-Banana Batido.
For a healthy (and satisfying) snack, top rice cakes with bananas and natural peanut butter. Here's how it looks. Add flavor to fish or pork with a Banana-Orange Relish. Go ahead: Enjoy this delicious, guilt-free dessert: Cocoa-Nut Bananas. Banana Hanger - Good or Bad?

Banana hangers aren't a gimmick. They protect against black spots and bruising from resting on hard surfaces. Definitely good!