Colorful lights and candles can make the holidays sparkle, but child safety should be a priority when decking the halls or trimming a tree, a leading pediatricians’ group says. Christmas trees adorn many homes during the holidays but they can pose fire and other safety hazards if certain precautions aren’t taken, the American Academy of… read on >
Faced with hectic holiday schedules, parents often ask family and friends to pitch in and babysit their children. But many parents fail to provide critical information about what to do in an emergency, a new survey finds. Less than half of parents with children aged 5 and under posted emergency contact information, such as parents’… read on >
As time gets tight for holiday gift-buying, you might have an urge to grab whatever’s still on the shelf. But when it comes to toys, keep safety in mind, health experts say. The first step is to check the age recommendation on the toy’s label. “Parents often think their child will ‘grow into’ a toy,… read on >
Overweight children often become obese adults, with attendant problems such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. But a new study suggests there are “critical windows” where that path to weight gain can be changed. The study, involving more than 2,700 Finnish adults, found what many studies have shown before: Childhood body mass index, or BMI,… read on >
All-nighters are a favorite pastime for many college kids who cram for exams at the last minute. But the resulting lack of sleep is anything but healthy, the National Sleep Foundation says. The foundation says doing an all-nighter may: Make you forgetful. Lead to weight gain. Affect your mood. Affect your circadian rhythm, the 24-hour… read on >
If you’ve got celiac disease or have another reason to go gluten-free, there are lots of ways to avoid dietary wheat, rye and barley. The American Diabetes Association says healthier gluten-free options include: Amaranth. Arrowroot. Beans (kidney, black, soy, navy, pinto). Buckwheat. Corn. Flax. Gluten-free baked products (made from corn, rice, soy, nut, teff or… read on >
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, resist taking a vacation from the smart eating strategies you follow at home. Start off on the right foot at the airport by bringing a small baggie of your own homemade trail mix with a few different kinds of nuts and dried fruits. Buy a salad or sandwich… read on >
It’s safe for people with an egg allergy to get a flu shot, says a leading U.S. allergists’ group. Doctors no longer need to question patients about egg allergy before giving the vaccine, according to an updated guideline from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “When someone gets a flu shot, health care… read on >
Carefully targeted deep brain stimulation might one day enhance long-term memory, a small study suggests. The experiment involved just 14 epilepsy patients, all of whom had undergone an invasive procedure to insert electrodes deep within their brains as a means of identifying the source of future seizures. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the researchers asked… read on >
Eating less salt could help you avoid heart disease or stroke. The U.S. Office on Women’s Health suggests how to cut the amount of salt in your diet: Eat fewer processed foods. Check the sodium content on the product’s nutrition facts label. Avoid foods with lots of salt. Season your food with herbs and spices,… read on >
