When stroke patients get an infection while in the hospital, that may raise the chances they will wind up back in the hospital later, new research suggests. Researchers examined data on more than 319,000 U.S. patients who had an ischemic stroke (blocked blood flow to the brain) who were readmitted to the hospital within 30… read on >
All Mommy:
Health Tip: A Pediatrician’s Role in Special Education
If your child has a learning disability, your pediatrician may be able to help you and the school system better understand the child’s special needs, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. The pediatrician can assist the school system in figuring out which, if any, special education services the child may be eligible for. Also, the… read on >
Teens at High-Performing Schools Less Likely to Use Pot
The type of high school teens attend may determine whether they’ll try marijuana and other illegal drugs, a new study suggests. “We concluded that schools play an important role in influencing adolescent behavior,” said study first author Dr. Rebecca Dudovitz, an assistant professor at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. “Investing in… read on >
Building Tolerance Helps Kids With Wheat Allergy
Giving trace amounts of wheat to children with wheat allergy shows promise in treating the allergy, according to new research. The researchers started with 46 wheat-allergic children, average age about 9 years, and gave them trace amounts of wheat. The researchers gradually increased the amount, to desensitize the children to wheat. This process is called… read on >
Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe
Rules for new drivers instituted in Massachusetts back in 2007 have led to fewer car crashes, including fewer deadly crashes, among drivers in their teens. And most of the rules are ones that Moms and Dads can set no matter what state you live in. The Massachusetts “graduated driver licensing program” requires 16- and 17-year-olds… read on >
Many Teens Are ‘Sextortion’ Targets
Parents of teens can add “sextortion” to the list of things to worry about, because a new study shows that 5 percent of teenagers are targets of this cybercrime. Another 3 percent of teens have likely done it to others, the study authors added. Sextortion is threatening to share sexually explicit photos without consent if… read on >
Decorative Contact Lenses a Danger at Halloween, Any Time
Colorful or unusual-looking contact lenses are popular at Halloween, but they could harm your eyes, vision experts warn. “Decorative contact lenses may seem like a fun costume accessory, but if you’re not careful, they can cause serious eye and vision problems,” said Samuel Pierce, president of the American Optometric Association (AOA). “Many people mistakenly believe… read on >
Vaginal Ring That Targets Pregnancy, HIV Seems Safe: Study
An experimental vaginal ring meant to prevent pregnancy and HIV looks safe, according to an early stage study. The dual-purpose ring releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine and the contraceptive hormone levonorgestrel, said researchers led by Dr. Sharon Achilles, of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “We are very encouraged by our findings in this… read on >
Family Leave Boosts Breastfeeding Rates, But Mostly for Affluent Moms
Paid leave for new mothers may increase breastfeeding rates, but mainly among women with higher incomes, a new study contends. The United States is the only developed country that does not offer paid leave to new parents on a national level. But four states now offer paid leave, and the study focused on two of… read on >
More College Students Seeking Mental Health Care
THURSDAY, Oct. 25, 2018Anxiety, depression and panic attacks are sending U.S. college students to mental health clinics in record numbers, a new study finds. Between 2009 and 2015, treatment and diagnoses of anxiety increased by nearly 6 percent among these students, followed by depression and panic attacks, which each increased about 3 percent. Anxiety is… read on >