White House Blames This for Kids’ Declining Health

TOP OF MIND

Brain worms not included
The White House just released a major report identifying the main factors behind childhood illness in the US.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and his team released their "Make Our Children Healthy Again" report, citing four major drivers behind the rise of childhood chronic illness.

1. Poor diet
2. Environmental chemicals
3. Stress and lack of exercise
4. Overmedicalization

But what do they plan on doing about it?

The important bits
It's unclear. The report calls out a number of problems impacting children, but does not offer many specific solutions, at least not in this document. They are planning to release a recommendations report later this year.

Many experts agree with a number of the issues raised in the report, but they point out that it fails to draw important connections, such as those with ultra-processed foods.

The report also takes aim at vaccines. It suggests routine childhood vaccines may be harmful, which is a claim many scientists reject as bad immunology. In fact, most experts point out how the vaccines administered these days are more effective and contain far fewer stimulants to the immune system than they did decades ago.

What's it all mean?
Our children need help. The report highlights issues that have been plaguing our kids for years now, including the sharp rise of obesity, autoimmune conditions and behavioral health disorders. Don't wait for the government to come up with answers. You can change your household now.

DID YOU HEAR

🐲 Moms wanna be like Daenerys Targaryen?
A new study just dropped. This time to determine America's favorite TV moms. According to its findings, there was a tie for first place between The Addams Family matriarch, Morticia Addams, and The Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen. Surprised? We are too. There are more "traditional" moms in the top 10, including Golden Girls' Sophia Petrillo and Lorelai Gilmore from Gilmore Girls. See the full list here.

🌊 Drowning is the leading cause of death in young children
Summer is officially here, which means more kids will be spending their days at the pool. It's estimated that 4,000 fatal accidental drownings happen every year in the United States. That's an average of 11 drowning deaths per day. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4. Here's how you can protect your family. Also be mindful of WHERE you swim this summer.

🏊‍♂️ 10 kids from same sperm donor diagnosed with cancer
A European man unknowingly passed a rare cancer-linked gene mutation to at least 23 children through sperm donations. Ten of those kids have developed cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma. His sperm was used by over 60 families. Unfortunately, this mutation wasn't detectable through genetic screening, which has raised major concerns about sperm donor limits and the need for better genetic testing. More here.

🫘 Beans do more than make you toot
Tired of trying to force your kid to eat a piece of broccoli? Switch to beans! Harvard-trained pediatrician Dr. Kelly Fradin says beans are the most underrated superfood for kids. Why? They're high in protein and nutrients, like folate, iron and a range of B vitamins. Perhaps most important? They're cheap and extremely versatile. Want some bean inspiration? Check out these recipes.

🌶️ Parents share how they keep it hot in the bedroom
Trying to keep the spark alive with your partner? Real parents are sharing some pretty wild tips.

🍋 Also, people are going crazy over this frozen whipped lemonade
Recipe here.

DOSE OF GOOD

@n3mo_sparks

Things you shouldn’t do while your baby is starving and waiting on you to feed her

BITES WITH KIYAH

From shakes to snack bars, high-protein foods are having a moment — but not all of them are worth the hype (or the cost).

Protein is essential for health, but you don’t need pricey powders or processed snacks to get enough (ahem, beans 🫘 ☝️). This week I’m sharing simple, satisfying protein-packed options that can get you through the rest of Maycember, without breaking the bank.

Check them out here.

HERE’S A QUESTION

The government is exploring the possibility of awarding moms with a National Medal of Motherhood, in a desperate attempt to boost birth rates.

Last week, we asked if you'd send gifts to a child's "online" birthday party, and 100% of you said, "Heck no!"

RECALLS

Don’t put these cucumbers on your eyes
The FDA announced a recall for cucumbers grown by South Florida-based Bedner Growers between April 29 and May 19. The cucumbers were sold nationwide and might be contaminated with salmonella. More than 20 people have already been sickened by this outbreak.

Cases are spread out across 15 states: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Get all the details here.

Another lead recall
Popular supermarket chain Publix announced a recall of fruit and vegetable baby food sold in eight states because the product tested alarmingly high for lead.

They recalled 4-ounce Greenwise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food pouches sold at more than 1,400 stores.

More here.