E-cigarette use is surging among American teenagers, with millions of kids flirting with nicotine addiction by regularly vaping. Unfortunately, these kids are going to face a rocky road if they try to kick their nicotine habit, experts say. There are no tested or approved methods for quitting e-cigarettes, said Linda Richter, director of policy research… read on >
As abuse of injected heroin and other addictive opioids spreads throughout the United States, heart experts warn of a growing threat: strokes caused by infections contracted through dirty needles. “People need to be more aware that stroke can be a devastating complication of injecting opioids,” said the lead author of a new study, Dr. Setareh… read on >
The research is in its early days, but Chinese scientists say they’re using bartenders’ tricks to stir up a new, reversible male contraceptive. In experiments with rats, the method successfully kept sexually active males from impregnating females for more than two months. “The two most widely used male contraceptives are condom and vasectomy,” noted a… read on >
The concern over vaping has continued to build as e-cigarettes have become more popular, especially with kids and teens. Vaping — inhaling liquid nicotine vapors — was first marketed as a way to help adults quit smoking. But younger people, including tweens, quickly seized on it as a way around conventional cigarettes, some attracted by… read on >
Cooking with your child will help build confidence in tasting the unfamiliar, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. By exposing your child to different types of food, you will boost the child’s willingness to try new dishes. The academy mentions these additional potential benefits: You can help your child boost senses besides taste. Use cooking… read on >
MONDAY, Jan. 28 2019They’re cute, but cuddling a pet hedgehog could transmit potentially deadly salmonella, U.S. health officials warned Friday. As of Jan. 23, “11 people infected with the outbreak strain ofSalmonellaTyphimurium have been reported from eight states,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nobody has died, although one person needed… read on >
Strong limits on marketing and sales are needed to control and prevent teens’ use of electronic cigarettes, a new American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement says. Teens who use e-cigarettes are more apt to use traditional cigarettes eventually, studies show. The surge in vaping among American teens threatens to turn back five decades of… read on >
The “choking game” — and other clearly ill-advised and dangerous internet challenges — leave many parents wondering what drives teens to take the bait and participate. Now, a new study suggests that an underlying psychological disorder may be one reason why some kids jump at online dares such as the “Bird Box” challenge, where people… read on >
More U.S. families with young children are buying handguns — and that might help explain a recent spike in firearm deaths, a new study suggests. Government figures show that after years of decline, gun-related deaths among U.S. children under age 5 have been on the upswing. Between 2006 and 2016, the rate nearly doubled —… read on >
As your child ages, he or she should play a greater role in getting medical care, the American Academy of Family Physicians says. The academy suggests how to empower your teen to make informed medical decisions: At about age 14, kids should be able to: understand and explain any medical conditions they have, know which… read on >
