Children's Medical Center Dallas Health Tips: Back-to-School Edition.

DALLAS -- Children's Medical Center Dallas:

Teens Pumping Up with Protein Supplements?

Illegal steroid use is a popular topic of discussion among many student athletes' coaches and parents, but a larger portion of the teen population is turning to legal nutritional supplements to gain a competitive edge.

Studies suggest as many as 20 percent of student athletes use supplements to enhance their athletic ability, yet the American Academy of Pediatrics says there is no advantage to using enhancement supplements like those found in protein shakes. In fact, too much of some vitamins, minerals or amino acids can be bad for developing bodies and cause problems such as renal failure.

"Protein shakes are not the answer," says Dr. Sue Hubbard, a pediatrician on the medical staff at Children's Medical Center Dallas. "Kids need to know they can get everything they need to be healthy and competitive in athletics from a balanced diet and a simple multi-vitamin. Student athletes should be adding that protein by eating more lean meats and fish, not by taking supplements."

Forgive and Forget?

After a three-month hiatus from school, it may take some time for kids to get back in to their routines. Don't worry if your child calls home once or twice because he forgets his lunch box or leaves his homework on the kitchen table, but don't make it a habit to "save" your child from his own forgetfulness or disorganization.

"It is important to teach your child organizational skills and help him develop good habits, like keeping his packed lunch box right by the door so he sees it on his way out," says Dr. Kristy Hagar, pediatric neuropsychologist at Children's Medical Center Dallas. "I also stress the importance of teaching kids responsibility. Parents always want to rescue their children, but kids need to learn the coping skills that help them deal with the consequences of being forgetful or unorganized."

Dr. Hagar suggests setting an agreed-upon number of times Mom will deliver a forgotten lunch or book report -- then sticking with it.

Watering Down the Dog Days

The kids are back to school, but, according to the mercury, we are still sweating through the dog days of summer. Heat exhaustion and proper hydration are valid concerns when kids are practicing and playing their favorite sports and activities outdoors.

Children have fewer sweat glands than adults, so they sweat less. Therefore, they are more likely to suffer from heat-related illnesses. In order to prevent dehydration or heat exhaustion, it is important for kids to gradually increase the amount of time they spend in the heat and drink plenty of fluids -- even before they hit the field.

"It's a good rule of thumb to start hydrating the day before prolonged outdoor practices and events," says Dr. Robert Wiebe, an emergency room pediatrician at Children's Medical Center Dallas. "Then plan to take regular drink breaks every 15 or 20 minutes during strenuous activity in the heat."

Water is always a great defense against dehydration. However, for extended lengths of time in the sun, sports drinks are formulated to replace lost carbohydrates and salt that kids need to stay healthy in the heat.