Lots of young children dread getting routine shots, triggering worry among their parents. So what can you do to ease your youngster’s stress? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests: Pack a favorite toy, book or blanket to help calm your child. Distract and comfort your child by cuddling, singing or talking softly.… read on >
Men who have trouble conceiving may have the air they breathe to blame, a new study by Chinese researchers suggests. Microscopic particles in the air called particulate matter (PM2.5) may affect the quality of sperm, which in turn can make it difficult to fertilize a woman’s egg, the researchers said. PM2.5 stands for particulate matter… read on >
Long-distance travel is worrisome enough. But add a child to the mix, and stress levels can only rise. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests how to make traveling with a child easier: Adjust your child’s sleep schedule a few days before departure to minimize jet lag. Once you arrive, encourage the child to play outside… read on >
Most American women would prefer to get a mammogram to screen for breast cancer every year rather than every two years, a new study finds. Currently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women at average risk for breast cancer be screened every two years, beginning at age 50. The recommendation is based in… read on >
Babies apparently have a better understanding of adults’ language than you might think. New research reveals that they can identify the meanings of some words and even recognize that some words are more connected to certain words than to others. The finding is based on an analysis that used eye-tracking software to see how approximately… read on >
Teens who abuse prescription drugs, like opioid painkillers, are prone to initiating or being victims of dating violence, a new study finds. In a nationwide survey of more than 10,000 teenagers who had dated in the past year, the researchers found that non-medical use of prescription drugs by boys was associated with sexual dating violence.… read on >
Women who are overweight or obese may need to be screened for breast cancer more frequently, new Swedish research suggests. The reason? Overweight or obese women are at greater risk of having breast cancer detected after the tumor has grown large — over 2 centimeters — than their slimmer counterparts, the study found. Heavier women… read on >
Two-thirds of U.S. parents with young children say it’s difficult to find a childcare or preschool facility that meets their health and safety standards, new survey results show. Researchers questioned more than 300 parents nationwide who had at least one child aged 1 to 5 years. Sixty-two percent said they had trouble finding facilities that… read on >
Taking a family vacation is a great way to have quality time, but going on a trip that each family member will enjoy takes some planning. Consider choices for an activity-oriented trip. Besides health benefits, vacations make great memories when everyone participates. Start by getting the whole family involved. Show photos of possible destinations to… read on > read on >
Overweight kids who are shamed or stigmatized are more likely to binge eat or isolate themselves than to make positive changes such as losing weight, a leading pediatricians’ group says. In a new policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers guidance to help parents, teachers, school officials and pediatricians assist overweight and obese… read on >
