A dose of green may be just what school kids with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues need, new research shows. Canadian investigators found that a school program that let 10- to 12-year-olds spend a little time each week in nature paid dividends in improving kids’ mental well-being. “Nature-based programs may offer targeted benefits… read on > read on >
All Mommy:
Big Post-Election Surge Seen in Online Sales of Morning-After Pills
In the wake of Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election, retailers report that online sales of emergency contraceptives have soared. The spike in purchases of what is also known as the morning-after pill or Plan B suggests women worry the incoming administration might soon limit their access to emergency contraception, Monica Cepak, CEO of… read on > read on >
Good Night’s Sleep Wards Off High Blood Pressure in Teens
High blood pressure is a rare health issue among teens, but U.S. case numbers are creeping upwards. Now, research published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association, shows that healthy sleep can help keep hypertension at bay in the young. That’s probably because “disrupted sleep can lead to changes in the body’s stress… read on > read on >
Most Parents Don’t Ask About Unlocked Guns in Homes Their Kids Visit
Most parents haven’t considered the potential risk of an unlocked, poorly stored firearm in a house their child is visiting, a new study shows. More than 60% of Illinois parents have never asked another parent about an unlocked gun in their home before allowing their child to visit for a playdate, researchers found. Most said… read on > read on >
Grandparents & Grandkids: Poll Shows Them Helping Each Other
Grandchildren are a true blessing for seniors, helping them avoid loneliness and keeping them on their toes, a new poll reports. Overall, 72% of people with grandkids say they hardly ever feel isolated, compared with 62% of those without grandchildren, according to results from the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging. People without… read on > read on >
Women Can Incur ‘Catastrophic’ Bills for Out-of-State Abortions, Study Finds
One piece left out of the abortion debate is the high transportation and medical bills facing women forced to leave their state to obtain the procedure. A new study is the first to give hard numbers on those concerns. It finds that, even before the fall of Roe v. Wade, 65% of women who traveled… read on > read on >
Childbirth Can Bring Worrying Medical Bills, Even With Insurance
Having a child can cause significant and ongoing financial hardship for new parents, even if they are covered by health insurance, a new study shows. More than half of people with private insurance spent more than $1,000 out of pocket on childbirth, and nearly 40% reported being somewhat or very worried about paying their health… read on > read on >
1 in 4 Moms Fall Asleep While Breastfeeding, Putting Babies at Risk for SIDS
A new study finds that a quarter of (no doubt exhausted) breastfeeding moms admit to falling asleep while their baby was feeding, a moment that can raise risks for infant suffocation. That’s because whenever a baby falls asleep in an area that’s got soft cushions and cramped surroundings — as can happen in sofas, easy… read on > read on >
Being Born Preterm Tied to Lifelong Harms in Employment, Education
Babies born preterm face a life of lowered prospects, a new study warns. Adults who were preemies are less likely to achieve higher education or snag a high-paying job, researchers reported Nov. 6 in the journal PLOS One. What’s more, the earlier preterm a baby is born, the worse his or her future prospects appear… read on > read on >
Using Abortion Pills Very Early in Pregnancy Is Safe, Study Finds
Abortion pills are safe and effective even very early in a pregnancy, a new study finds. Clinics and hospitals tend to defer medication abortions until a woman’s pregnancy is confirmed using ultrasound, researchers said. But abortion pills can be safely taken prior to the sixth week of pregnancy, researchers reported Nov. 6 in the New… read on > read on >