The Daily News – February 10, 2025

Coming up in our program today, we’re going to discuss the early roots of inflammatory bowel disease. Next, are we overscheduling our children? And last pause for thought dog interaction boosts brainwaves and relaxation. Welcome to the Daily News For our first story. Today, inflammatory bowel diseases affect nearly one in 100 Canadians significantly impacting quality of life. New research from St. Justine Hospital University in Quebec links early childhood factors to the development of inflammatory bowel diseases. These IBDs include chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease. This research provides not only new avenues for prevention, but also a clearer picture of how childhood experiences shape long-term health outcomes. The study involving over 2,700 participants sheds light on how the environment in the first three years of life influences the risk of developing IBDs. Researchers identified modifiable factors such as breastfeeding diet, and even exposure to secondhand smoke as key contributors. In a recent study, lead author Canisius fantasy emphasized the protective role of breastfeeding against Crohn’s disease stating we observed a very clear trend towards a reduction in the risk of Crohn’s disease in subjects who had breast milk exclusively for at least six months. The team also found that introducing solid foods earlier than six months could slightly increase the risk. While this discovery needs further investigation, it emphasizes the significance of nurturing a healthy microbiota, the balance of good and bad bacteria in the intestines. During these critical early years. The study revealed that children exposed to tobacco smoke in their first three years had a 23% higher risk of developing Crohn’s disease later on in life. These findings are more than just insights. They offer actionable steps for parents. Avoiding secondhand smoke, promoting exclusive breastfeeding when possible, and introducing solid foods at the right time can make a lasting impact on a child’s health. Now, for our next story, from ballet to soccer to swimming, kids today often have schedules that rival the busiest adults. But according to a recent article in the Globe and Mail, all this activity might not be helping them thrive. In fact, it could be doing the opposite. Parents often feel the pressure to sign their kids up from multiple activities, but experts have been cautioning against overscheduling for decades. According to the article, children with packed schedules may become more anxious, depressed, and angry, not happier or more advanced. One psychiatrist points out that parents often feel they’re doing what’s expected, even when it doesn’t feel right. She explains. When you really sit with parents and talk to them, they tell you it doesn’t feel right to drag their kid out of bed, drive across the city and have dinner in their car. So how can family strike a balance? She suggests creating a schedule that prioritizes essentials, like sleep school and family dinners before deciding how many activities to include. Research consistently shows that shared family dinners improve kids’ social, mental, and academic wellbeing. The psychiatrist quoted also advise choosing activities that focus on play rather than instruction and social experiences over solitary ones. She points to Finland as a model where young children are encouraged to engage in free outdoor play rather than structured extracurriculars. Finn kids still excel academically and enjoy strong mental wellbeing. Social media and the comparison game only add to the pressure, but the article emphasizes that there’s no evidence to suggest starting structured activities early leads to better outcomes later on in life. Instead, unstructured play and family time are often more beneficial. The article reminds parents that sometimes the best use of time is simply slowing down. One mom described canceling a rushed gymnastics trip and instead spending the evening outside with her kids attempting handstands in the backyard. The result, laughter, connection, and memories that no structured activity could replace. So are we helping or hindering our kids by keeping them busy? Well, experts suggest it might be time to slow down, let kids play, and focus on what really matters. Time spent together as a family. Now for our last story, new research shows that spending time with dogs can significantly enhance brain activity linked to relaxation and concentration. The study from South Korea measured the brain’s electrical activity during various dog related activities. This wasn’t just about petting dogs. Participants engaged in eight activities, including grooming, playing, and walking. Each activity showed unique effects on the brain. Past studies focused on overall mood or hormone changes after animal interactions. This research analyzed specific activities like feeding, walking, or grooming to understand their distinct effects on wellbeing, playing and walking, increased alpha brainwaves associated with relaxation. Meanwhile, grooming and massaging boosted beta waves, which are linked to focus and concentration. Participants also reported feeling less stressed, less fatigued, and less depressed after these interactions. As the authors explained, this study provides valuable information for elucidating the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of animal assisted interventions. The study suggests these insights could shape tailored animal therapy programs to maximize benefits. Animal assisted therapies are already used in hospitals and schools, but this research shows that specific activities can lead to targeted outcomes. So whether you’re playing fetch or brushing your dog signs, confirms it’s good for your pet and great for you too. Those were our top stories for today. As always, thank you so much for joining us on the Daily News.