Chemicals used to preserve, package and enhance food can harm children’s health, a leading pediatricians’ group says. A growing mound of scientific evidence has linked these chemicals to changes in children’s hormone systems, which can alter their normal development and increase their risk of childhood obesity, the new American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement… read on >
Gluten-free foods are one of the latest nutritional trends, with many parents assuming foods with a gluten-free label are healthier than foods with gluten. But new research says that’s just not true, unless your child truly must avoid gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley and rye — due to celiac disease or other… read on >
The support of co-workers is crucial for new mothers who want to continue breast-feeding after returning to work, a new study finds. Study author Joanne Goldbort, an assistant professor at Michigan State University College of Nursing, said co-worker support is critical for several reasons. In the workplace, a breast-feeding woman “has to work collegially with… read on >
Using any form of nicotine during pregnancy or while nursing may raise a baby’s risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), new animal research suggests. The findings indicate that nicotine patches or electronic cigarettes may not be a safe alternative to cigarettes during pregnancy, the study authors said. The findings appear in the July 18… read on >
Tampons — cylindrical devices used to stem a woman’s menstrual flow — are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as medical devices. The FDA offers these tips for safe tampon use: Follow all directions on the product’s label. Wash hands before and after use. Only use tampons during the menstrual period. Change a… read on >
Children who abuse animals may have been abused themselves, a new study suggests. Kids aged 10 and up who intentionally hurt animals are two to three times more likely to have been abused than kids who treat animals with respect, said the British researchers who conducted the review. “Asking about a history of animal abuse… read on >
Children with autism show abnormalities in a deep brain circuit that typically makes socializing enjoyable, a new study finds. Using MRI brain scans, researchers found that kids with autism showed differences in the structure and function of a brain circuit called the mesolimbic reward pathway. That circuit, located deep within the brain, helps you take… read on >
The last thing you want to do after surgery is develop an infection. So caring for a surgical wound is of prime importance. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions: Follow your doctor’s instructions about when and how often you should change the surgical bandage, if there is one. Keep your incision dry… read on >
Many children are prescribed powerful opioid painkillers they don’t really need, putting them and those around them at risk, a new study shows. More than one in 10 kids enrolled in Tennessee’s Medicaid program received an opioid prescription each year between 1999 and 2014, even though they did not have a severe condition requiring powerful… read on >
Headaches are common in children and teens, but many parents aren’t sure when to seek professional help for their child, a new survey finds. The survey of parents with children aged 6 to 18 found that two-thirds said their child has had a headache not caused by a fall or head injury. “Headaches are very… read on >
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