Babies go gaga over other babies’ goo-goos, a new study finds. Researchers found that 5-month-old infants spent 40 percent longer listening to sounds from other infants than to adults making the same sounds. Even before they can create sounds resembling syllables — such as “ba ba ba” — infants can recognize vowel-like sounds and pay… read on >
A woman’s risk of pregnancy loss depends chiefly on four maternal factors: health conditions, age, lifestyle and specifics of pregnancy, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says. The agency’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development says factors the raise a woman’s risk of miscarriage include: Existing conditions, such… read on >
For most people, the internet is a key source of information and a meeting place for social networking and chatting. But with all of that interaction comes risks of child predators. The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests how to keep your kids safer online: Do not give out personal information, such as your full… read on >
For reasons that aren’t yet clear, people who battle PTSD may also be at heightened risk for the common heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation, researchers report. It’s the first time a connection has been made between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and “A-fib,” which typically arises with age and is the most common type of heart… read on >
Any approach that differs from conventional — or Western — medicine is typically considered complementary and alternative, or CAM. But these practices have become much more mainstream, leading to growth in the health care approach called integrative medicine, which draws on traditional and non-traditional systems tailored to each individual’s needs. The U.S. National Institutes of… read on >
If you use Airbnbs or other vacation rentals, it might be a good idea to check first on their fire safety. A new study found that while many Airbnbs in the United States had smoke alarms, less than half had fire extinguishers or first-aid kits. The research was led by Vanya Jones, of the Johns… read on >
A diagnosis of dementia often triggers discussions about how to keep that person safe as the disease advances, but one serious safety concern that may be overlooked is gun ownership. Somewhere between 40 percent and 60 percent of people with dementia have access to firearms in their homes, according to an editorial in the May… read on >
Maintaining open communication between you and your child increases the likelihood that the child will come to you in times of need. The American Psychological Association suggests ways to do this: Take note of when the child is more open to conversation, for example, when in the car, before dinner or at bedtime. Start the… read on >
A football helmet is a necessary part of the uniform that reduces the risk of a concussion or other head injury. But the helmet has to fit properly. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these tips for selecting a football helmet: Make sure the child’s eyes are visible and that he can see straight… read on >
Diabetes has become a worldwide epidemic, but you can protect yourself with a healthier diet. And the same type of diet can help you manage diabetes if you already have it. According to experts at Boston’s Joslin Diabetes Center and the Harvard School of Public Health, specific foods that help reduce your risk include green… read on >
