Experts have long recommended breastfeeding for its many benefits for infants, but a new study puts a hard number on breast milk’s lifesaving effects. Breastfeeding is associated with a 33% reduction in infant deaths in the first year, according to the study of nearly 10 million U.S. babies. The research looked at babies born in… read on > read on >
All Mommy:
Pill to Counter Postpartum Depression Looks Good in Trial, May Gain FDA Approval
All eyes are on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week as the agency weighs approval of a new pill that may quickly treat and ease severe postpartum depression. Approval of the drug could help millions of women regain their emotional equilibrium following childbirth. The FDA’s decision is expected by Friday. Taken as a… read on > read on >
AI-Assisted Mammograms Could Be a Big Advance: Study
Artificial intelligence (AI) programs can safely be used to help radiologists review mammogram images and detect breast cancers, early results from an ongoing clinical trial show. A single radiologist aided by AI wound up detecting about 20% more breast cancers from mammogram images than two radiologists working together, according to a report in the August… read on > read on >
Some Lots of Tydemy Birth Control Pills Recalled Due to ‘Reduced Effectiveness’
Certain lots of the prescription birth control pill Tydemy may be less effective than expected, potentially resulting in an unintended pregnancy, because the pills do not contain enough of an active ingredient. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers about the issue Tuesday following a company announcement about the issue on July 29. Two… read on > read on >
Could Exposure to Lead Early in Life Raise Odds for Criminality Later?
Being exposed to lead while in the womb or during early childhood may increase a person’s chance of engaging in criminal behavior as an adult, a new review claims. To arrive at this conclusion, the review authors evaluated 17 previous studies that used varying methods to test for lead exposure, including blood, bones and teeth.… read on > read on >
Maternity Care ‘Deserts’ Common Throughout America, Report Finds
More U.S. women are living in areas with little or no maternity care, raising concern about their ability to have a healthy pregnancy and birth. New research from the March of Dimes shows a 4% drop in birthing hospitals throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, and decreased access to maternity care in 369 counties… read on > read on >
Biden Administration Launches Office for Long COVID Research
As Americans continue to grapple with the effects of long COVID, the Biden administration on Monday announced the creation of a new office focused on research about the condition that will be part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Office of Long COVID Research and Practice will lead the U.S. response… read on > read on >
Could Cold Air Help Settle a Case of Croup? New Study Says Yes
Pediatricians have suspected it for years, and now a new study may be proving them right: Cold air really can help ease children’s croup symptoms. Croup is a common childhood illness that usually starts as an ordinary cold. It arises when the infection causes swelling around the voice box (larynx) and wind pipe (trachea), leading… read on > read on >
Vaping Might Beat Nicotine Patches in Helping Pregnant Women Quit Smoking
TUESDAY, Aug. 1, 2023 (HealthDay News) – It’s well known that smoking in pregnancy can harm a developing baby’s growth. Now, a new study suggests that using e-cigarettes may be more effective that traditional nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches, in helping pregnant women kick the habit and reduce the risk of low birthweight. “E-cigarettes… read on > read on >
New Clues to Treating a Disease That Prevents Children From Swallowing, Eating
Children who have a chronic immune system disease that can prevent them from eating may eventually have a new treatment, decades after the condition was first identified. “Parents and doctors may not be aware of this, but this is a very prominent and serious disease in the pediatric population, and it is increasing in number… read on > read on >