Kids who are the youngest in their grade may be overmedicated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a Norwegian researcher who studied prescribing data. Those who were also born preterm were at particular risk of being overmedicated, said Dr. Christine Strand Bachmann, a pediatrician at St. Olav’s University Hospital in Trondheim and PhD… read on > read on >
All Mommy:
Caring for Kids and Aging Parents: The ‘Sandwich’ Generation Is Under Strain
Nearly one-quarter of all American adults who care for an elderly parent also care for a child at the same time, a new study reveals. And when compared with those who only have a parent under their watch, members of the so-called “sandwich generation” — namely caregivers of both the old and the young —… read on > read on >
White House ‘Winter Preparedness Plan’ Revives Free At-Home COVID Test Program
With cases of the flu, RSV and COVID-19 rising and hospitals filling up nationwide, the Biden Administration on Wednesday announced a “winter preparedness plan” for what could be a tough season ahead. One step towards protecting Americans from spreading infection: Restarting a program where every household in the country is eligible to receive four free… read on > read on >
Race Plays Big Role in Whether Kids Learn to Swim
Black children and teens drown in swimming pools at rates seven times higher than white children, but a new survey suggests that special swimming programs could make a difference and help save lives. The survey, from the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, found that only 25% of Hispanic parents and 28%… read on > read on >
States That Restrict Abortions Have More Maternal, Infant Deaths
In U.S. states with more restrictive abortion policies, rates of pregnant women, new mothers and infants dying were higher, a new report finds. The analysis, conducted by the Commonwealth Fund, found that states with heavily restricted access to abortion in 2020 had a maternal death rate that was 62% higher than states with easier abortion… read on > read on >
What’s Driving the Ongoing Adderall Shortage — and What Parents Can Do
Shortages of the ADHD drug Adderall are expected to continue for months, forcing families to scramble for ways to deal with their children’s attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The shortage has caused headaches and hassles for parents like San Diego mom Jackie Meader, who has been “flustered, rushed and out of sorts” since her 16-year-old… read on > read on >
Formula Feeding Raises Odds for Anemia in Very ‘Preemie’ Babies
Babies born prematurely who are fed formula may need iron supplementation like their breastfed counterparts, new research suggests. “Just because a baby is on iron-rich formula, we should not assume all of their iron needs are being met, since iron from the formula may not have the same absorption as iron from breast milk,” said… read on > read on >
Using Devices as Babysitters Can Backfire on Parents
It’s an all-too-familiar scenario for many parents: Your preschooler starts to act up just as the phone rings or you start dinner. Maybe you hand over an iPad or smartphone to soothe the child so you can get down to business. And this probably does the trick. But if this is your go-to strategy, your… read on > read on >
Patients’ Genes Raise Odds for Rare Brain Infection When Using Certain Meds
For some people, dozens of U.S.-approved drugs can lead to a rare but often fatal brain infection. Researchers have now confirmed a strong link between four genetic mutations and this illness, called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). A new study found that in people taking PML-inducing drugs, having one of four genetic variants increased the odds… read on > read on >
Twins Study Shows Exercise Altering How Genes Behave
One might expect identical twins to have the same health outcomes. But it’s not just genetics that makes a notable difference in their weight and in how their genes behave, according to a new study. Exercise can alter genetic markers of metabolic disease — any of the diseases or disorders that disrupt normal metabolism. The… read on >