Exercising during pregnancy can benefit babies’ lungs, Scandinavian researchers report. “This study offers a fascinating hint that increased physical activity of mothers is associated with better lung function in their babies and, therefore, possibly their health in later life,” said Jonathan Grigg, head of the European Respiratory Society Tobacco Control Committee, who was not involved…  read on >  read on >

Adults with autism, intellectual disabilities or mental health disorders are at increased risk for COVID-19 and severe illness, researchers report. Being aware of the heightened risk is important in prioritizing COVID-19 prevention measures, such as vaccination, testing, masking and distancing for these groups, the researchers said. “These high-risk populations should be recognized by clinicians, and…  read on >  read on >

Young people appear to have normal lung function after recovering from COVID-19, new studies find. In one, Swedish researchers found that even asthma patients had no significant impairment in lung function. In the other, German researchers found unimpaired lung function after kids and teens had a COVID-19 infection — unless their infection was severe. “The…  read on >  read on >

While the United States is one of the only developed nations without universal sick leave, workers with COVID-19 can take paid emergency leave — at least for now. Problem is: Fewer than half of U.S. workers know it’s available, according to a new study. And, the researchers add, cases of sick employees who couldn’t take…  read on >  read on >

Breast milk can give preemies’ hearts a big boost, a groundbreaking study suggests. “This study … adds to the already known benefits of breast milk for infants born prematurely,” said study leader Dr. Afif El-Khuffash, a clinical professor of pediatrics at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences…  read on >  read on >

MONDAY, Sept. 6, 2021 (HealthDay News) – As the COVID-19 pandemic grinds on and stress on families mounts, more kids are falling victim to accidental poisoning. Experts attribute the surge to disrupted sleep patterns, work schedules and parenting routines. “I think what’s happening is, parents are challenged with a couple of things,” said Helen Arbogast,…  read on >  read on >

Boat traffic picks up on Labor Day weekend, and the Safe Boating Campaign offers some safety reminders for those leaving shore. “No matter your age, wear a life jacket from the moment you reach the dock and while you’re out on the water,” Yvonne Pentz, communications director of the National Safe Boating Council, said in…  read on >  read on >