Parents of budding teens can breathe a little easier: A new study says adolescent “sexting” is not an epidemic. On the other hand, it’s not disappearing, either, despite campaigns to curb it. “Sexting is perceived as an epidemic because the news highlights extreme cases that involve tragic outcomes, and because it goes against standards of… read on >
Blackout drinking is never a wise idea, but new research pinpoints why people sometimes imbibe to the point where they pass out. Celebrations and coping with stress are the top reasons for blackout drinking, the study found. Drinking too much too fast can cause a blackout, where a person remains conscious but later can’t remember… read on >
The danger that air pollution poses to the hearts and lungs of adults is well-documented, but new research suggests that newborns are also at risk. Infants of mothers who were exposed to high levels of air pollution in the week before giving birth were more likely to end up in the newborn intensive care unit… read on >
“Don’t fight in front of the kids.” Sounds like familiar advice that’s been passed down from generation to generation. But as it turns out, it’s not always the fighting, but rather the way you fight that can have a negative — or a positive — effect on your children. Researchers E. Mark Cummings and Patrick… read on >
Due to waning vaccination levels in some areas, measles outbreaks are back with a vengeance. But many globe-trotting Americans may not realize the problem is worldwide. Therefore, making sure your measles vaccination is up to date is paramount before jetting off. In fact, U.S. outbreaks of measles “are usually started by foreign travelers importing the… read on >
In an average year, close to 70,000 children under age 5 go to the emergency department because of injuries from common nursery items, according to the journal Pediatrics. About 90% of these injuries happen at home, so prevention starts there. One reason young children are more prone to injury is that they have disproportionately large… read on >
Giving a child the wrong dose or an inappropriate medication can have serious consequences, says MedlinePlus. Drug labels for prescription medicines should have a section on use among children. To safely give medicine to your child, MedlinePlus suggests: Read and follow the label directions every time. Watch for any side effects. Know the abbreviations for… read on >
Some parents may be reluctant to give their kids powerful stimulants to treat the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but a new review shows the medications bring significant benefits. In addition to helping kids calm down and concentrate in school, the review also found that the drugs help children avoid a lot of long-term negative… read on >
Lots of kids are picky eaters. But when eating habits in young children are extreme, it could be a sign of autism, researchers say. A new study finds atypical eating behaviors — such as hypersensitivity to food textures or pocketing food without swallowing — in 70% of kids with autism. That’s 15 times the rate… read on >
The start of school is just around the corner, but a leading pediatricians’ group warns that many kids entering kindergarten lack the skills they need to succeed in class. To help parents get their young ones ready to start school, the American Academy of Pediatrics has just released a report on what helps boost success… read on >
