Kids are spending more time than ever in front of screens, making it more likely they’ll become overweight or obese, a new review claims. The average 8- to 18-year-old spends more than seven hours a day fixated on a screen, whether it’s a computer, smartphone, tablet, video game or TV, the latest evidence shows. Teenagers… read on >
All Mommy:
Health Tip: When Small Children Play Near Water
Anyone — especially a young child — can drown in only a few inches of water. The American Academy of Pediatrics says it doesn’t recommend any swim instruction for kids under the age of 1. And even after a child learns how to swim, the child should be supervised by a parent or guardian (preferably… read on >
Too Little Fish for Mom Linked to Higher Preemie Birth Risk
If you love fish and you’re pregnant, new research suggests eating lots of it might help you avoid delivering your baby too soon. The researchers found that women who had the lowest levels of fatty acids from fish during their first and second trimester were 10 times more likely to have a preterm birth than… read on >
Steer Clear of Obese Friends With the Flu
Excess weight boosts the odds of flu complications, but that’s not all. Obese adults are contagious for much longer than their slim peers, researchers report. It’s known that obesity increases a person’s risk of hospitalization and death from flu, but these findings suggest extreme weight may also play a role in how the flu spreads.… read on >
Health Tip: Ear Tubes May Help Prevent Ear Infections
By the age of 5, the majority of young children will have an ear infection, the American Academy of Otolaryngology says. Most ear infections will resolve without medical intervention or with a dose of antibiotics. But in some children, ear infections become chronic. In these cases, parents may wish to discuss with a doctor the… read on >
Health Tip: Recognize Signs of a Urinary Tract Infection
The urinary system is the body’s way to rid itself of wastes and extra water. But the urinary tract also is a common spot for infection (UTI). While anyone can develop a UTI, about four times as many women develop them as men, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. You’re also at higher risk… read on >
Health Tip: Help a New Mom With Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression causes symptoms including unhappiness and hopelessness among new moms. The good news is that it’s usually temporary and treatable, Postpartum Support International says. The organization offers these suggestions for the partner of a woman with postpartum depression: Reassure her that the condition is not her fault, that she is not alone, and that… read on >
Big Slice of Red Meat Allergies Tied to Tick Bites
Deer ticks are scary enough. Now, scientists have linked bites from the lone star tick to about one-third of all potentially life-threatening allergic reactions around Tennessee. A lone star tick bite can cause a severe immune system response to red meat — such as beef, pork and lamb — said study lead author Dr. Debendra… read on >
Caffeine Not a Dieter’s Friend
If you’re trying to control your weight, don’t look to caffeine for help. Caffeine is not an effective appetite suppressant or weight-loss aid, researchers report in a small, new study. The study involved 50 healthy adults, aged 18 to 50. The researchers found that after the volunteers drank some juice with a small amount of… read on >
Health Tip: Cope With Stretch Marks During Puberty
Stretch marks aren’t confined to pregnant women. Youngsters in puberty also may develop these lines on the body due to rapid growth. Skin is typically quite elastic, the Nemours Foundation points out, but when it overstretched, small scars known as stretch marks may develop. Nemours suggests how to make stretch marks less noticeable: Use a… read on >