Smoking during pregnancy is never a good idea, but new research shows it might double the risk of a baby dying from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). “Any maternal smoking during pregnancy — even just one cigarette a day — doubles the risk of sudden unexpected infant death [SUID, another term for unexplained infant deaths],”… read on >
Kids with poorly controlled asthma struggle in school, especially those who are ethnic minorities, a new study reports. Researchers evaluated asthma and allergy status, lung function and school performance of 216 black, Hispanic (Latino) and white children in a U.S. city. Those with a greater number of daily asthma symptoms had more absences, less school… read on >
Kids in high chairs should never be left alone. Nor should they be placed there for long periods, safety experts warn. High chair-related injuries — mainly falls — have risen in recent years, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most of these injuries occur when a child stands while attempting to get out… read on >
Studies show that the earlier a child’s school struggles are addressed, the better the outcome will be. So it’s important for parents to tackle problems early on rather than ignore them or hope children will grow out of them. It’s often easy to spot a child who’s having difficulty with addition or subtraction, but other… read on >
New research uncovers more damage wrought by the opioid epidemic: Cases of a dangerous heart infection linked to injection drug use have spiked in recent years at an Ohio medical center. Researchers found that admissions for infective endocarditis at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center doubled between 2012 and 2017, and that a 436… read on >
There’s no doubt that a first baby changes the dynamic between spouses. Here are steps you can take to stay close. First, you need a creative plan to get some sleep. Beyond feeling tired, being sleep-deprived affects your mood and your ability to think clearly. It can lead you to over-react to little things and… read on >
Screen devices such as smartphones and TVs are making children more sedentary, the American Heart Association says. This lack of movement is linked to obesity in young people. Experts recommend that parents limit children aged 2 to 5 to one hour of screen time per day. Older children are also cautioned against too much screen… read on >
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection that affects the urethra, bladder or kidney. Those who are pregnant or sexually active may be at a higher risk for UTIs. The American College of Physicians notes the top warning signs for UTIs: Painful urination. Abdominal discomfort. Frequent urination. Bloody or cloudy urine. Fever.… read on >
It seems as though every day brings a new study on the merits — or the risks — of coffee. So what’s the real scoop? If you like drinking coffee simply for the pleasure of it, Harvard University research has found that sipping up to six cups a day is probably safe. Remember: Those are… read on >
Every five days in the United States, at least one child dies from choking on food. More than 10,000 children are hospitalized due to food-choking injuries each year. However, these injuries and deaths are preventable, the New York State Department of Health says. The department suggests: Always supervise small children while eating. Do not allow… read on >
