Youth who identify as LGBTQ+ suffer more bullying at their schools when they live in areas with politically conservative voting records, a new study finds. School boards should do more to implement policies that go beyond minimum protections for LGBTQ+ youth, regardless of political affiliation, the researchers suggested. “To my knowledge, nobody has really looked… read on > read on >
All Mommy:
Stronger Hearts, Better Outcomes in Pregnancy: Study
Thinking of starting a family? Start getting your heart in shape. New research suggests that how healthy a woman’s heart is before conception affects outcomes in her pregnancy. Study author Dr. Sadiya Khan said the findings make a case for more comprehensive heart assessments prior to pregnancy rather than focusing on isolated individual risk factors,… read on > read on >
Could Coffee, Veggies Lower Your Odds for COVID-19?
Coffee delivers the boost that many people need to start their day. Now, new research suggests this breakfast powerhouse may also provide some protection against COVID-19. Consuming vegetables and having been breastfed might also reduce your COVID-19 risk, according to the new study from Northwestern University in Chicago. Conversely, processed meats may increase your susceptibility… read on > read on >
COVID Drove Biggest Drop in U.S. Life Expectancy Since World War II
Exactly how deadly has the coronavirus pandemic been in the United States? New research confirms it has had a big hand in slashing life expectancy by a year and a half. That’s the lowest level of life expectancy since 2003 and the largest one-year decline since World War II, researchers from the U.S. Centers for… read on > read on >
1.5 Million Kids Worldwide Lost Parent or Other Caregiver to COVID-19
In yet another finding that illustrates the tragic toll the pandemic has taken on families around the world, a new study shows that 1.5 million children have lost a parent, grandparent or other caregiver to COVID-19. “For every two COVID-19 deaths worldwide, one child is left behind to face the death of a parent or… read on > read on >
Breastfed Babies Have Healthier Blood Pressure as Kids
Here’s another reason for new moms to give breastfeeding a try: Toddlers who were breastfed for even a few days have lower blood pressure than those who always got a bottle, research finds. And lower blood pressure at an early age may lead to a healthier heart and blood vessels in adulthood, researchers said. The… read on > read on >
Even Young Children Can Have Breathing Issues During Sleep
It’s important for parents to recognize when kids have breathing problems during sleep and to seek medical help, an expert says. “During sleep, the muscles keeping the upper airway stiff relax, and as a consequence, the airway narrows, which can cause snoring, snorting or in severe cases, the complete obstruction of the airway,” said Kurt… read on > read on >
Breastfed Babies Have Healthier Blood Pressure as Kids, Study Finds
Children who are breastfed, even for a short time, have lower blood pressure than those who only receive formula, researchers say. read on >
Severe COVID in Kids: Rare, but Brain Issues Can Result
About one in 20 kids hospitalized with COVID-19 develop debilitating brain or nerve complications that could haunt some for a long time, a new British study reports. Children with severe infections can suffer from brain inflammation, seizures, stroke, behavior changes, hallucinations and psychosis. About one-third of the stricken kids had symptoms that didn’t resolve in… read on > read on >
Double Trouble: Wildfire Smoke Could Boost Odds for COVID’s Spread
Breathing in smoke from wildfires may significantly increase the spread of COVID-19, researchers say. The warning, from a new study of links between smoke-caused air pollution and SARS-CoV-2 infections, comes as firefighters battle 80 large wildfires in the western United States. The largest — 300 miles south of Portland, Ore. — covers over 500 square… read on > read on >