Children and Complementary Health Approaches

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Do you use complementary health approaches for your child? Here are some things to know:

  • Some mind and body practices work well for children. Biofeedback, guided imagery, hypnosis, mindfulness, and yoga may be helpful for problems such as anxiety and stress in children and are low risk.

  • Yoga and meditation have become more popular among children. In 2017, 8.4 percent of 4- to 17-year-olds practiced yoga and 5.4 percent meditated. In 2012, the numbers were 3.1 percent for yoga and 0.6 percent for meditation.

  • Children may be more likely than adults to have bad reactions to dietary supplements. Their small size, developing organs, and immature immune systems make them more vulnerable.

  • Like medicines, dietary supplements should be kept out of the sight and reach of children. Don’t count on child-resistant caps to keep your child safe. Some supplements don’t have them.

 

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