People start developing unhealthy perceptions of their own bodies in early childhood, a new study suggests. Kids as young as 7 start to judge their bodies in ways that eventually could lead to an eating disorder, researchers report in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology. “It has been clear for many years that we need…  read on >  read on >

Sleep is a critical component for concussion recovery among kids, a new study reports. Limiting naps during the day and getting about seven hours of sleep each night in the first week after a concussion appears to speed up recuperation, researchers reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Getting seven hours of sleep each…  read on >  read on >

A simple rule change for youth soccer dramatically reduced concussion risk among athletes, a new study says. Banning or limiting headers — plays where the head is used to pass or shoot the ball — is linked to a nearly 26% reduction in soccer-related concussions treated in emergency rooms, researchers are scheduled to report at…  read on >  read on >

Firefighters might face a higher risk of brain cancers caused by exposure to chemicals in fire extinguishers, a new small-scale study says. Veteran firefighters appear to have a higher risk of brain tumors called gliomas, which can be caused by gene mutations linked to flame retardant chemicals called haloalkanes, researchers reported in a study published…  read on >  read on >

A mother’s diet during pregnancy can influence her child’s risk of ADHD and autism, a new study says. In particular, the unhealthy hallmarks of a typical Western diet appeared to increase a child’s risk of developmental disorders, researchers reported in the journal Nature Metabolism. “The greater a woman’s adherence to a Western diet in pregnancy…  read on >  read on >

Sleep-deprived night shift nurses are at greater risk for the common cold and other infectious diseases, a new study says. Shift work and its impact on quality sleep can wreak havoc on nurses’ immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infection, researchers report in the journal Chronobiology International. “Sleep debt and irregular shift patterns, including…  read on >  read on >

LED light therapy is touted by social media influencers as a trendy way to treat acne. And it actually appears to work, a new evidence review suggests. Both red and blue LED light therapy are safe and effective in clearing up mild to moderate acne, researchers reported in JAMA Dermatology. “We found individuals who use…  read on >  read on >