The e-cigarette may not be just a “healthier alternative” to smoking for teens. New research shows that teens who vape may be more apt to use tobacco cigarettes later on. When teens smoked an e-cigarette during one month, they were up to seven times more likely to smoke tobacco in the future, researchers found. “Youth… read on >
People who were born prematurely may have smaller-than-normal airways in adulthood, which can cause respiratory problems, researchers say. Premature birth is associated with poorer heart and lung function, but the reasons why have not been fully understood. In a new study, investigators compared adults who were born eight weeks or more early with people who… read on >
A new study warns of a potential return to the “bad old days” when there were no effective drugs to fight HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Timed for release on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, the new study looked at data on more than 56,000 adults living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and… read on >
Gazing at your baby may do more than strengthen that bond with your newborn, a new study suggests. Eye contact between parents and their infants actually helps synchronize their brain waves, researchers report. “When the adult and infant are looking at each other, they are signaling their availability and intention to communicate with each other.… read on >
“Sexting” refers to sending a text message with pictures that are inappropriate, especially involving nudity. According to a recent survey by the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 20 percent of teen boys and girls have acknowledged sending such messages. The AAP suggests how to talk about sexting with your child: Discuss the issue with your… read on >
Teens fixated on their smartphones experience changes to their brain chemistry that mirror those prompted by addiction, a new study suggests. Kids who compulsively used the internet or fiddled with their phones tended to have increased neurotransmitter activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region tied to the brain’s systems of behavior reward, control of… read on >
The epidemic of opioid abuse in the United States has put hospital ERs on the front line, with staffers increasingly battling infections tied to the problem. ERs are seeing an increasing number of patients seeking care for severe infections resulting from injected use of heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone and the like, new research shows. ER radiologists… read on >
You want your kids to enjoy many experiences, but between afterschool programs, music lessons and team sports, your schedule can go haywire. Try these ideas from the University of Florida Extension and Michigan State University Extension to keep your cool and teach your kids time-management skills at the same time. The first rule is to… read on >
Childproofing a home is important even after your little one reaches toddlerhood. KidsHealth.org offers these suggestions to make your home safer for kids of all ages: Keep guns locked in a sturdy cabinet. Keepcoin lithium (“button”) batteries out of a child’s reach. They may be deadly if swallowed. Keep choking hazards,poisonous substances, hot and sharp… read on >
Many of us will care for a parent at some point in our lives. If you’re shopping or cooking for Mom or taking Dad to doctor visits, you’re already a caregiver. Caregiving is often in addition to raising kids, running your own home and holding down a job. That means your stress level can soar.… read on >
