We know that early learning can set up a child for success. A study done by researchers at Penn State University found out just how early that learning should start — by age 2. For this study, parents filled out surveys about how many words their 2-year-olds knew, and then the researchers checked in with… read on >
A program that maps out the genes of newborns has allowed researchers to identify risks for some inherited childhood conditions, many of which can be prevented. The so-called BabySeq Project discovered that slightly more than 9 percent of infants carry genes that put them at risk for medical conditions as they reach childhood. “The BabySeq… read on >
New mothers who take opioid painkillers after either vaginal birth or cesarean section may be at increased risk of becoming persistent users, a new study finds. Researchers from Vanderbilt University in Nashville examined data from more than 102,000 new mothers in Tennessee. None had used opioids in the 180 days before delivery. After delivery, 89… read on >
Moving from one community to another can be difficult for everyone in the family, especially if leaving friends and relatives behind. But the problems can be magnified for kids who have to switch middle or high schools. Studies show that, for high school students, moving just once in a 12-month period can cut in half… read on >
Some women react to the experience of pregnancy and childbirth with sadness, fear, anxiety and procrastination, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. The academy mentions these risk factors for developing depression during and after pregnancy: Hormonal changes. Personal or family history of depression. Feeling a lack of support from family and friends. Problems with a… read on >
For many city-dwelling teens with asthma, their chronic lung disease may go undiagnosed and untreated, a new study finds. According to a survey of more than 33,000 New York City high school students, 20 percent reported having asthma-like symptoms, but were not diagnosed with the illness. The researchers also found that teenage girls and Asian-Americans… read on >
Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common kind of menstrual pain, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. It is typically caused by an overabundance of chemicals produced by the uterus. These chemicals, called prostaglandins, trigger cramps when the uterus contracts and relaxes. Pain associated with menstruation can start a day or two before your period… read on >
Adult strokes are commonly caused by high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat and a hardening of the arteries. But these conditions are rare in children, the National Stroke Association says. Stroke can occur at any age. The risk among children is highest after the first year of birth and remains among the top 10 causes… read on >
When it comes to so-called good foods and bad foods, it’s pretty easy to separate a green salad from a piece of pie. But some healthy foods can become less beneficial for you simply because of the way you cook them. Researchers analyzed three years of eating patterns of kids between the ages of 7… read on >
Caffeine in limited amounts is OK for most people, but too much of the stimulant can be dangerous to your health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. The FDA adds: Caffeine is found in many foods, including various beverages and dietary supplements. Coffees and teas labeled “decaffeinated” can actually contain 2 to 15 milligrams… read on >
