Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can lead to unhealthy post-pregnancy weight for moms, and a higher risk of obesity and related conditions in their children. But not gaining enough weight has consequences, too. Historical studies on children born during times of famine show they have twice the risk as the general population of developing…  read on >

Women who keep moving during pregnancy may have infants with more advanced motor skills, a small study suggests. Researchers discovered the difference among 1-month-olds: Those whose moms got regular aerobic exercise during pregnancy tended to have stronger movement skills, versus babies whose mothers did not. The movement tests included things like head turning, said researcher…  read on >

Exercise is essential for girls, but problems can occur if they take in too few calories. Young females who eat too little risk menstrual irregularity, weak bones and eating disorders. Among high school girls, only 1% have all three issues, but between 16% and 54% have one of them, and that increases the risk for…  read on >

Exercise has many health benefits for boys, ranging from a lower chance of obesity to improved self-esteem. It may also reduce risk-taking behaviors. However, some sports come with cautions, especially those with weight classes that could lead to excessive dieting or even anorexia. Sometimes boys may simply not eat enough calories to make up for…  read on >

Many people wait until they’re older to have children, and that decision can raise the risk of problems like infertility and genetic abnormalities. But new research suggests there may be at least one benefit to having children later in life. The study found that kids with at least one older parent were less likely to…  read on >

Swollen glands are part of the body’s reaction to illness or infection, says Cleveland Clinic. Aside from the neck, lymph nodes in the groin, armpits and under the chin can swell, too. Illnesses that cause swollen glands include: Colds. Flu. Sinus infections. Strep throat. Skin wounds. Mononucleosis. Visit your doctor if you have swollen glands…  read on >

Many studies have uncovered racial gaps in health care in the United States, but now a new review confirms that the disparity begins at birth. The review, of 41 studies, found that infants born to minority women typically received poorer care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) compared with white newborns. The finding was…  read on >

Patients who have noncardiac surgery are much more likely to die after they leave the hospital than in the operating room, a new study finds. Researchers analyzed data on more than 40,000 adults, age 45 and older, who were operated on at 28 centers in 14 countries in North and South America, Asia, Europe, Africa…  read on >