Many first-time mothers have mistaken ideas about managing the pain of childbirth, a new survey reveals. The survey, commissioned by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), included more than 900 U.S. mothers, 73 percent of whom had vaginal births. While many said they had less pain than feared, many went into labor with false ideas… read on >
Many ticks carry disease, so it’s important to remove a tick if it bites you and becomes embedded in your skin. The U.S. National Institutes of Health suggests how to safely remove a tick: Use fine-tipped tweezers. Grab the tick close to the skin and gently pull up to remove the entire tick. Don’t use… read on >
There’s preliminary research suggesting that abuse or neglect in childhood might have an effect on the quality of a man’s sperm. The study was small and can’t prove cause and effect. But researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston say it points to a way in which stress early in a man’s life… read on >
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside theuterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. The growing fetus eventually will cause the fallopian tube to burst, which can lead to life-threatening bleeding that could require immediate surgery. Half of women who develop an ectopic pregnancy have no known risk factors, the American College… read on >
Nearly 70 percent of Colorado marijuana dispensaries recommended pot products to manage early pregnancy-related morning sickness, new research reveals. In a “mystery caller” approach, researchers posed as women who were eight weeks pregnant, experiencing nausea and vomiting, and seeking advice about cannabis product use. Four hundred marijuana dispensaries were contacted, and one-third of those recommending… read on >
An important checklist used to screen for autism can miss subtle clues in some children, delaying their eventual diagnosis. Researchers found that the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, or M-CHAT, can fail to detect developmental delays that are tell-tale signs of autism in 18-month-olds, according to findings published in the June issue of the… read on >
Exercising may keep you young at heart. Researchers found that people who make regular exercise a lifelong habit appear to slow the aging of their heart and blood vessels. The finding stems from a comparison of exercise histories and heart health among 102 people over age 60. Those who had exercised two to three times… read on >
American moms and dads work hard to prevent food poisoning at home, but 10 percent say their kids have gotten sick after eating bad food elsewhere. In a new poll by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan, parents peg restaurants as the usual source of spoiled or contaminated food (68 percent). Surprisingly,… read on >
Quality friendships are crucial in developing your child’s personality and self-esteem. As a child grows older, while parents can no longer select a child’s friends, they can arm the child with tools to choose friends wisely. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises: Educate your child on what makes a good friend. As children learn that… read on >
Along with flashlights, sleeping bags and bug repellent, many kids will take a smartphone to camp this summer. But this could ruin their camp experience, a new study suggests. Researchers surveyed 620 camp directors, nurses and other staff members at 331 camps in the United States and Canada. Many said campers were so fixated on… read on >
