Scotland is already seeing a payoff for vaccinating adolescent girls for human papillomavirus (HPV). Since the vaccine became routine about a decade ago, cervical cancer cases in young Scottish women have plummeted, a new study reports. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Vaccination protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which… read on >
Middle childhood often comes with big changes as children prepare to enter middle school or junior high school. Children form complex friendships, experience peer pressure and become more aware of their body, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parents can help their child by: Spending time with your child. Being involved with your… read on >
U.S. health officials say they are investigating an outbreak of E. coli gastrointestinal illness that’s already affected 72 people across five Eastern states. The origin of the foodborne illnesses remains unknown, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said late Friday. “The investigation is still ongoing and a specific food item, grocery store, or… read on >
You now have an excuse to skip cutting the grass every weekend — it’s beneficial for the bees. And mowing your lawn less often to provide native bees a better habitat won’t lead to an increase in disease-carrying ticks, experts say. When research ecologist Susannah Lerman began urging friends and colleagues to leave lawns a… read on >
With childhood obesity rates soaring, prevention should start at a very early age. One approach gaining in popularity is baby-led weaning. This means that, when solid foods are introduced, ideally at 6 months, parents let the baby feed himself or herself rather than mom or dad spoon-feeding the typical baby food purees. This method enables… read on >
Millions of Americans rely on caffeine for a morning or afternoon energy boost. However, relying too much on caffeine can cause unpleasant side effects such as migraines, stomach aches and irritability, says Mayo Clinic. Signs you should curb caffeine use are: You drink more than four cups per day. You’re losing sleep. You’re taking medication.… read on >
The protection that birth control pills offer against ovarian cancer is strongest with the most aggressive forms of the disease, a new study says. For several years, researchers have noted that women who have used oral contraceptives are less likely to develop ovarian cancer. This study took a closer look at that link. Researchers at… read on >
“Say you’re sorry.” It’s almost a natural reflex to ask this of your child when he or she hurts or wrongs someone. But at what age do kids really understand the meaning of an apology, and should you make a child repeat the words if they don’t yet have real meaning? Studies show that 4-year-olds… read on >
College and high school graduations are around the corner. While graduations are a time to celebrate, safety principles should not be forgotten. The legal drinking age across the United States is 21. Adults should not host parties for underage drinkers or buy alcohol for minors, says the Rhode Island Department of Health. Adults over 21… read on >
Douching is the age-old practice of using a solution to attempt to clean the vagina, but there’s only downsides to it. Beyond having no proven benefits, douching can cause many health problems, including bacterial and yeast infections. And if you already have a vaginal infection, it can push bacteria up into your reproductive organs, causing… read on >
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