Could breastfeeding lay the groundwork for good grades in high school? That’s what the findings of a new British study suggest, although the differences were small between those who were breastfed and those who weren’t when it came to standardized test scores and grades. “Breastfeeding promotes the development of the brain, which may account for…  read on >  read on >

As obesity rises among U.S. kids and teens, the number of weight-loss surgeries is growing, too. Metabolic and bariatric surgeries among 10- to 19-year-olds rose by nearly 20% between 2020 and 2021, after climbing since 2016, a new study finds. The jump is especially notable among those from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, who are…  read on >  read on >

A new study on using nitroglycerin patches to help women with frequent hot flashes caused by menopause has delivered mixed results. The benefits of wearing these patches — long used as chest pain medication — were modest. They also were short-lived, with any benefits appearing to wear off over time, according to researchers from the…  read on >  read on >

MONDAY, June 5, 2023Understanding circumcision can help you speed your baby boy’s healing process and be aware of any complications that may arise. Here, professionals offer advice on what circumcision is, the pros and cons of the procedure, and what happens during a circumcision. Plus, they’ll talk about how long the healing process is and…  read on >  read on >

Summer vacation has begun for some families and screen use may already feel like too much. A psychiatrist from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston offers some tips for making sure smartphones and tablets are put to good use and not used to excess. Dr. Laurel Williams, a professor in the department of psychiatry and…  read on >  read on >

Summer is here and so, too, is swimming season. As fun as a pool can be, it’s also a major safety risk if you don’t take the appropriate precautions. An expert from Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, offers some tips for a safe pool season. “If children or non-experienced swimmers will…  read on >  read on >

There is no cure for nearsightedness, but medicated eye drops can slow down its progression in children, a new trial finds. The study tested the effects of eye drops containing a very low dose of the drug atropine — the same medication used to dilate the pupils during an eye exam. Researchers found that when…  read on >  read on >