You’ve gotta be kidding me. That’s gotta be fake. That’s the understandable first reaction of many to the viral phenomenon dubbed the “Tide Pod Challenge.” Sad to say, it’s real. Prompted by internet dares, dozens of U.S. teenagers in recent weeks have popped liquid laundry detergent packets from a variety of manufacturers into their mouths… read on >
More American women started getting recommended mammography screening after an “Obamacare” rule made the tests free, a new study finds. The rule meant that Medicare and most private insurers could no longer require women to foot part of the bill — whether through copays or requiring them to pay a deductible first. After the rule… read on >
It’s important to take a second blood pressure reading if your child’s first reading points to high blood pressure, researchers say. They found that nearly 25 percent of children and teens who had their blood pressure checked by their primary care doctor had readings in the high range, but less than half of those readings… read on >
Women whose periods started before age 12 may face an increased risk for heart disease and stroke, a new British study suggests. Early menopause, pregnancy complications and hysterectomy are also associated with a higher risk for heart disease and stroke, according to the research. “More frequent cardiovascular screening would seem to be sensible among women… read on >
If you are a parent of a young adopted child, it may be time to talk about the child’s birth story. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests: Be honest, and make your explanation simple and direct. Tell the child that he or she was born to other parents who could not take care of the… read on >
Teens who were severely bullied as children are at increased risk for mental health problems and suicide attempts, a Canadian study finds. The study included data on more than 1,300 children in the province of Quebec, from birth until age 15. About 59 percent of the children reported some bullying in their first years of… read on >
Kids who have a good relationship with their grandparents are less likely to become prejudiced against old people, a new study has found. That prejudice, known as ageism, is fairly common in children, even in those as young as 3, according to researchers from the University of Liege in Belgium. However, their study found that… read on >
With a severe flu season now widespread across 46 states, do symptoms you or a loved one have point to the dreaded illness? Amid the sniffles, coughing and fever, “it’s sometimes difficult to determine whether you have the common cold or the flu,” said Dr. Boris Khodorkovsky. He’s associate chair of emergency medicine at Staten… read on >
Time is running out for millions of American kids covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Stopgap funding for the federal program for these kids will expire Jan. 19. Soon thereafter, states will begin to cut kids’ coverage as the money runs dry, experts say. Nearly 1.7 million children on CHIP in 20 states… read on >
Potty training can be a difficult experience for parents and children, but with the right plan in place, it doesn’t have to be. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions for implementing a successful potty-training plan: Give plenty of praise, affection and treats to encourage your child when he or she uses the potty.… read on >
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