Childhood obesity and asthma are on the rise in the U.S. Clinical and epidemiological data suggest a link between the two, in which overweight and obese children are at higher risk for asthma. Prevention of childhood obesity is preferred over treatment, however, in order to be receptive to messages, parents must perceive that their child is overweight. Many parents do not accurately assess their child’s weight status. Herein, the relation between parental perceptions of child weight status, observed body mass index (BMI) percentiles, and a measure of child feeding practices were explored in the context of asthma, food allergy, or both. Out of the children with asthma or food allergy that were classified as overweight/obese by BMI percentiles, 93% were not perceived as overweight/obese by the parent. Mean scores for concern about child weight were higher in children with both asthma and food allergy than either condition alone, yet there were no significant differences among the groups in terms of pressure to eat and restrictive feeding practices. In summary, parents of children with asthma or food allergy were less likely to recognize their child’s overweight/obese status and their feeding practices did not differ from those without asthma and food allergy.

Breath sampling and analysis provide healthcare professionals with a practical, noninvasive diagnostic measurement for children with a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. New biomarkers found in human breath have been investigated and provide the opportunity to diagnose bacterial overgrowth and other underlying causes of GI dysfunction. Although several protocols have been described previously regarding breath sampling, few have demonstrated the feasibility of collection in young children. This communication introduces a simple game that allows for 3- to 7-year-old children to practice breath exhalation to give a proper breath sample in a relaxed and comfortable environment. The technique described offers clinicians a creative approach for obtaining breath samples from a child by reducing the apprehension and anxiety associated with the research and clinical environment.

FA are most prevalent in children under age five and are linked to family history, ethnicity, early‐life feeding practices, absence of breastfeeding (BF) and presence of other atopic diseases, including asthma. Chi‐squaredtests were used to compare risk factors in children (ages 3–5) with and without FA enrolled in SKP, a longitudinal study of childhood obesity and health within an ecological framework. In the SKP cohort (n=423), 12% of kids had FA or sensitivity and 8.5% were diagnosed with asthma. Gender, BMI percentile and ethnicity were not associated with risk of allergy. Children with FA were three‐times more likely to have asthma (95% CI 1.48–7.29, p=0.003) and other chronic diseases (95% CI 1.95–6.81, p<0.0001). Peanut, fruit and cow's milk allergies were most common in the SKP cohort (4.3%, 3.0%, and 2.8% respectively). Family history of FA was associated with allergy occurrence in children (p<0.0001). BF longer than six months was associated with a lower occurrence of soy (p=0.02) and fruit (p=0.03) allergies, but no protective effect against other FA was observed (p=0.18). Family history, lack of BF and other chronic conditions were risk factors for FA in SKP participants.Grant Funding Source: Supported by USDA 2011–67001‐30101

Childhood obesity rates have risen dramatically in recent decades, compelling researchers to analyze the changing environment surrounding this weight gain. Our goal was to assess parent’s knowledge of food guides and nutrition labels. Parents (n=407) of preschoolers (age 3‐5) reported that moms and grandparents were primarily responsible for selecting meals. Overweight parents had 1.86‐times higher odds of having overweight children (95% CI 1.15‐2.99, p=0.01). Parents of children who were overweight (>85th BMI percentile) had a higher average BMI than parents of children who were normal weight (29.6 vs. 26.6 kg/m2; p=0.0001). Parents’ ability to choose healthy foods may be limited by the way nutrition information is presented. On a nutrition fact label, 35% of parents were unable to correctly complete calculations necessary to interpret nutrition facts. Although 56% of parents attained a Bachelor’s degree or higher, only 32.2% could identify the current USDA food guide. Older and less‐educated parents were more likely to choose an incorrect or outdated food guide (p蠄0.05). The release of multiple food guides in recent decades may have led to consumer confusion. Parent inability to identify current guidelines and interpret nutrition labels suggests poor dissemination of these tools. Clinical settings and grocery stores may serve as opportunities for continued education. Grant Funding Source: Funded by the USDA (Hatch 793‐328), I‐CAR, and NIFA (2011‐67001‐30101)