family

Eating Family Meals Together at Home

Author/s: 
Callie L Brown, Melissa C Kay, Lindsay A Thompson

Eating meals at home together as a family is important for both parents and children.

Eating dinner together at least 3 or 4 times per week has positive effects on child development and has been linked to children’s lower rates of overweight and obesity, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, depression, and eating disorders; higher self-esteem; and better academic performance. Eating family meals also has nutritional benefits. Families who eat dinner together eat more fruits and vegetables and fewer fried foods and sugary drinks. Family meals also help adults and children learn to like a variety of foods.

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), also called electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, or vape pens, are battery-powered devices used to smoke or “vape” a flavored solution which usually contains nicotine. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recognizes the alarmingly increased use of ENDS, especially among youth and young adults, as well as its use by those attempting to quit smoking tobacco.

The AAFP calls for further research to assess ENDS’ safety, quality, and efficacy as a potential cessation device. The AAFP also recommends that the marketing and advertising of ENDS to children and youth cease immediately. The AAFP encourages members to screen for ENDS use starting with school-age children, to discuss the potential harms of ENDS, and to recommend cessation interventions with e-cigarette users. The AAFP encourages members to inform patients who use ENDS, especially children, that the majority of these products contain nicotine and are addictive.  (2014 COD) (April 2019 BOD)

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