By being sensitive and responsive to your child’s needs, you can forge a positive, healthy relationship, the National Institutes of Health says. Children who are bonded with their parents are more likely to cope with challenges such as family instability, parental stress and depression, the agency says. The NIH suggests: Reward and praise your child… read on >
Taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy might translate into healthier growth in children during their first six years of life, a new study suggests. “This study highlights the fact that in utero exposure can have a profound effect on the fetus that lasts through childhood,” said Dr. Jennifer Wu, an obstetrician-gynecologist from Lenox Hill Hospital… read on >
In vitro fertilization gives couples struggling to conceive the chance to have children, but a new study suggests these kids are at increased risk for high blood pressure. The study, of 54 teens conceived through assisted reproduction, found that eight — or 15 percent — had high blood pressure. That compared with just one case… read on >
Your parents’ jobs likely had a strong influence on what you do for a living, according to a study that questions the belief in social mobility in the United States. “A lot of Americans think the U.S. has more social mobility than other western industrialized countries. This makes it abundantly clear that we have less,”… read on >
If someone in your family is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to talk with children about what is happening, the U.S. National Institute on Aging says. The amount of information you share should depend on the child’s age and maturity. The agency suggests how to help kids understand Alzheimer’s: Answer questions simply and… read on >
Playtime is important to any child, especially one that is under pressure and stressed, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Playtime is a brain-building activity that’s a healthy and necessary part of childhood development, the academy adds. The group offers this advice to parents, doctors and educators: Doctors should encourage playful learning by writing a… read on >
All children 6 months of age and older should have a flu shot, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says. A flu shot significantly reduces a child’s risk of severe illness and flu-related death, according to the policy statement published online Sept. 3 in the journal Pediatrics. “The flu virus is common — and unpredictable.… read on >
Homelessness threatens young children’s health, even if it occurs while they’re still in the womb, a new study shows. “These findings back up what we already knew about how the stress of homelessness affects children’s heath, but this helps us determine which children are at greatest risk, and makes the argument that policymakers and providers… read on >
HealthDay News) — Schools often have classroom pets, such as hamsters, fish or frogs. Caring for those animals can be a great learning experience for kids. But exposure to animals does have some risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Young children are still developing an immune system, so they are more likely… read on >
The earlier the better when it comes to having your child’s vision checked, eye experts say. “Babies must have a vision screening by a health care professional soon after they are born, which must include an evaluation of the ‘red reflex’ of the eyes,” said Marcela Frazier. She’s an associate professor at the University of… read on >
