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The chemicals contained in non-stick cookware and waterproof fabrics may be linked to elevated levels of cholesterol in children and teenagers, new research shows.

The chemicals, called perfluoroalkyl acids, are found in drinking water, household dust, food packaging, breast milk and a whole host of other sources. They are used in the creation of substances called fluoropolymers, marketed under brand names such as Teflon, which make cooking utensils non-stick and allow clothing to remain stain free.

Read more here: Non-stick chemicals linked to high cholesterol in kids

Restaurants throughout the country are feeling the sting of the slow economy, just like you. In order to improve their bottom line and get families to eat out more often, many have initiated programs where kids eat free with the purchase of adult entrees. National chains, such as Bennigan’s, TGI Friday’s, and IHOP are promoting these deals, and local mom-and-pop restaurants are starting to do the same.

Read more here: 14 Places Kids Eat Free

Too many burgers slathered with rich sauces and toppings not only clog arteries but may boost the risk of asthma and wheezing too, especially in kids, according to a study released Thursday.

Conversely, a so-called Mediterranean diet — heavy on fruit, veggies and fish, while light on fat — can help stave off asthma-related respiratory problems, said the study, published in the British Medical Journal.

Read more here: Burgers lovers risk cheese wheeze: study

New research suggests that exposure to high levels of organophosphate pesticides, commonly found on berries, celery and other produce, could raise the odds for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

At this point, though, there is no evidence that pesticide exposure can actually cause ADHD, stated the authors of a paper appearing in the June issue of Pediatrics..

Read more here: Pesticides on Produce Tied to ADHD in Children

Encouraging healthy eating can feel like a big task in a world that glorifies candy, chocolate and chips over foods that are healthy and will help your kids grow up strong. Luckily, kids look up to their parents, so you can help to guide them in the choices they make. “Parents have to be good role models,” says Dr. Brian McCrindle, Foundation spokesperson and cardiologist at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. “Try to incorporate fruits and vegetables into every meal – including breakfast. Also, limit processed foods and have healthy meals and snacks planned for your kids as well as yourself.” He says it’s better to try to set the example of “do as I do,” and not the more common “do as I say.”

Read more: 10 cool nutrition tips for your kids

Sugary junk food or nutrition-packed snack?

That question’s on a lot of minds as chocolate milk gets an image makeover: it’s now being promoted by the American dairy industry as a healthy choice for kids. In U.S. schools, flavoured milks (like chocolate or strawberry) account for about 70 per cent of all the milk kids drink.

So, when concerns about obesity prompted some to take them off cafeteria menus, the industry was quick to respond: it rolled out a campaign, called “Raise your hand for chocolate milk,” including a petition, a Twitter feed, and slick ads with actress Rebecca Romijn. Like plain milk, flavoured milk offers nine essential nutrients, the campaign notes, “plus the taste-appeal kids go for.”

While the chocolate kind has more sugar (roughly the same as a glass of orange juice), the campaign calls this an “acceptable trade-off,” noting that over half of all teens aren’t getting enough calcium, risking their bone health down the road. Taking flavoured milks out of schools could do more harm than good, the argument goes, encouraging kids to choose less nutritious drinks like soda.

Read more: Milk skirmishes