Smog might raise a woman’s risk of miscarriage early in her pregnancy, a new study suggests. Chronic exposure seemed to increase that risk by more than 10 percent, according to researchers who tracked hundreds of pregnancies among couples in Michigan and Texas. “We found that both ozone and particles in the air were related to…  read on >

If your child has cancer and is being treated by a team of specialists, frequent and open communication is essential. The American Cancer Society suggests how to talk with team members: Actively take part in your child’s care. Communication should be clear, direct and honest. Treat team members with respect. Provide thorough and accurate information…  read on >

A spike in the amount of time teenage girls in the United States spend online is a likely culprit behind the surge in rates of depression, suicide and contemplation of suicide, new research suggests. The finding stems from an analysis of fatal injury data collected between 1999 and 2015 by the U.S. Centers for Disease…  read on >

Getting kids to drink water with their school lunches could help keep their weight in check and save the United States billions in obesity-related costs, a new study contends. Researchers calculated the effects of going nationwide with a program piloted in 1,200 New York City schools between 2009 and 2013. Placing water dispensers in school…  read on >

CPR can be performed by sixth graders, a new study suggests. Some states require hands-only CPR training for high school graduation, but teaching younger children has not been a focus of training efforts, the researchers explained. “We were wondering why they need to wait until 12th grade when sixth graders have learned the circulation system…  read on >

FRIDAY, Nov. 10,They’re pickier tenants than you’d think: Bugs are ideally looking for carpeted, airy, ground-floor residences in wealthier neighborhoods, and pets and even filth aren’t really so important. So finds a meticulous new study of the insect life in 50 urban homes in Raleigh, N.C. One surprise: There was a greater diversity of insect…  read on >

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, first developed to help guard against cervical cancer, also seems to protect against a rare, chronic childhood respiratory disease, a new study suggests. It’s believed that the disease — recurrent respiratory papillomatosis — occurs in children when HPV type 6 or 11 spreads from mother to child around the time…  read on >

As if the idea of teen cyberbullying isn’t harrowing enough, a new study warns of a strange twist in which kids anonymously post hurtful messages — to themselves. The worry is that this digital self-harm — like traditional self-harm — may be a harbinger for suicide down the road, the study authors said. In the…  read on >

Caring for a child with cancer can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. The Children’s Oncology Group says the best thing such a parent can do is to accept help from friends and family. The group mentions these benefits of doing so: You will have more energy to take care of your child, spend time with…  read on >

The last place you should fear getting sick is in a doctor’s waiting room. The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidelines for pediatricians to prevent the spread of germs. The group says all pediatric medical offices should: Equip waiting rooms with alcohol-based hand sanitizers and masks. Put up visual reminders for kids and…  read on >