Anna Nguyen Gefroh

Participation in youth sports has declined over the past decade for a variety of reasons: an increased interest in video games and other activities, a growing concern about the long term effects of injuries, and the cost can be prohibitive. A recent nationwide survey commissioned by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association found while more than four out of five parents surveyed believe the benefits of sports participation outweigh the risks, concerns over safety still run high.

Families should reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals found in food colorings, preservatives, and packaging materials as a growing body of research show they may harm children’s health, according to a policy statement and technical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics released online today.

Parents of children with autism will start seeing a more welcoming environment at Elmwood Park Zoo starting this summer with a designated quiet space and new tailored programming. Recently, the Zoo became the first zoo in the world designated a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, a partner of the Autism Society of America.