An annual flu shot is key for children with asthma, a new study shows. “We now know that if these kids get the flu, the risks are very high that emergency treatment for an asthma attack will fail,” said study co-author and pediatrician Dr. Francine Ducharme. “Instead of having an 18 percent risk of treatment… read on >
Children suffering from rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer of the muscle tissue, may have better chances for a cure if they have extended chemotherapy, a new study finds. In a phase 3 clinical trial, adding six months of low-dose maintenance chemotherapy after initial treatment extended the five-year survival rate from 74 percent to 87 percent, researchers… read on >
A perfect storm of murder, addiction and carelessness has fueled a recent and troubling increase in deaths among U.S. children and teens, a new government report shows. The total death rate for those aged 10 to 19 rose 12 percent between 2013 and 2016, mostly due to an increase in deaths from accidental injury, homicide… read on >
Women who’ve had a miscarriage are more likely to get pregnant and have a baby if they have adequate levels of vitamin D, new research indicates. “Our findings suggest that vitamin D may play a protective role in pregnancy,” said lead investigator Sunni Mumford, from the epidemiology branch of the U.S. National Institute of Child… read on >
When baby spits up, experts say don’t worry. It’s what babies do. As long as baby remains alert and content, is gaining weight and is not showing signs of illness, frequent spitting up is normal, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. Keep in mind that by the time a baby reaches 18 months, spitting… read on >
Pot is increasingly replacing cigarettes and alcohol as the first drug of choice among young Americans, researchers have found. Boys, black Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics and multi-racial Americans were the most likely to turn to marijuana before other recreational drugs, the new report suggests. For the study, the investigators analyzed nationwide surveys done between 2004… read on >
When it comes to kids and medical procedures like needles, expectation is everything. If they think the shot will hurt, it probably will, a new study finds. On the flip side, if they’re coaxed not to expect a lot of pain, they may feel it less. “We know that expectation affects pain experience in adults;… read on >
Immunizing girls against human papillomavirus (HPV) doesn’t increase their risk for autoimmune diseases, according to new research from Canada. HPV is the world’s most common sexually transmitted disease, affecting up to 75 percent of sexually active people and is the main cause of cervical cancer. Gardisil, the quadrivalent HPV4 vaccine, protects against up to 90… read on >
Your blood mght be a thirst quencher for mosquitoes during a drought. A new study found that while female mosquitoes need the protein in blood to lay eggs, they also bite you to stay hydrated. According to the research team from the University of Cincinnati, learning more about how often these insects need to drink… read on >
When a parent works full time, it can be difficult to balance responsibilities at work and at home. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests how to ease the pressure of feeling overworked: Try to relax during the day, even if for a few minutes of meditation, a short walk or a brief period of silence.… read on >
