Weight-loss surgery can be a double-edged sword for obese women who want to shed pounds before becoming pregnant: New research shows it lowers the risk of some complications, but it may increase the risk of others. Investigators followed more than 20,000 women in California who became pregnant between 2007 and 2018. Of those, 9.3% had… read on > read on >
All Mommy:
Kids With Autism Have Unique Gut ‘Microbiomes’
Children with autism differ socially and developmentally from their typically developing peers. Now, researchers say there are also differences in their array of healthy gut bacteria or “microbiome.” The findings may lead to earlier treatment for kids with an autism spectrum disorder, suggested the authors of a new small study. The gut microbiome can vary… read on > read on >
Addictive, Harmful Vaping Is Super Cool on TikTok
Watch videos on TikTok and you’re likely to see plenty of positive portrayals of vaping, a new study shows. And that’s a problem, according to researchers, who call for tighter regulation of the platform popular with kids and teens. “Viewing other young people, friends, acquaintances or influencers vaping in fun and entertaining contexts, is likely… read on > read on >
The Heat Is On: Staying Safe When Temperatures Soar
Midsummer heat and high humidity aren’t just uncomfortable — they’re a combo that can cause serious illness and even death. “Whenever you walk or do outdoor activity, take a friend with you who can help you if you run into trouble,” Dr. Eleanor Dunham advised. She’s an emergency medicine doctor at Penn State Health Milton… read on > read on >
Worry, Depression, Burnout: Survey Finds College Students Stressed as Fall Term Nears
Like many of her peers, Ohio State University engineering student Mary Trabue spent much of the pandemic taking classes online. And she was struggling. “I don’t know what was wrong, but I just felt tired all the time because I wasn’t sleeping,” she said. “And I knew I couldn’t continue down that path.” Whether a… read on > read on >
Can COVID Transmit Easily on Crowded School Buses?
New research offers some reassuring news for parents of kids returning to school soon: The risk of acquiring COVID-19 on the school bus is very low when proper precautions are taken. With open windows, mandated masking and two kids per seat, there was no transmission of the new coronavirus linked to busing even during the… read on > read on >
Survey Finds U.S. Parents Split on COVID Vaccination for Kids Under 12
As a new school year approaches, U.S. parents are nearly evenly split on whether they’ll vaccinate their young kids when a COVID-19 vaccine is approved for their age group, a new survey finds. “It’s important that parents and providers don’t wait for full COVID vaccine approval to begin discussions about vaccination,” said Sarah Clark, co-director… read on > read on >
Simple Step Gets More School Kids Eating Their Veggies
Give kids just a little more time if you want them to eat better. New research suggests that longer school lunch breaks could boost their intake of fruits and veggies. “It makes sense that you might eat the part of the meal you look forward to first, and if there’s enough time left you might… read on > read on >
When Are Head Injury Risks Highest for Young Soccer Players?
Young soccer players have more head impacts during practices but experience more severe head impacts during games, a small, preliminary study shows. The findings could help devise ways to improve head impact safety in youth soccer, according to the researchers. “Headers are a fundamental component to the sport of soccer. Therefore, it is important to… read on > read on >
Kids Still Dying From Accidental Exposure to Fentanyl Pain Patches
Accidental exposure to fentanyl pain patches is putting children’s lives at risk, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid pain reliever; so powerful that fentanyl patches are typically only prescribed to patients who require round-the-clock, long-term pain relief, such as cancer patients. They’re generally replaced every three days. Kids can… read on > read on >