Infants who are predominantly breast-fed for the first six months of life are less likely to have gastrointestinal problems. But, they're more likely to be deficient in iron, and therefore at risk of anemia, according to a study that looked at 154 mothers and their babies in Guadalajara, Mexico. "We are verifying previous findings that in low-income countries.

via medicinenet.com

Exposure of women to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) raises the odds that they will not give birth to male children, according to a study published Thursday in Environmental Health.
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A bacteria that is a major cause of stomach cancer and ulcers may help shield children from asthma, U.S. researchers reported Tuesday. Children infected with the bacteria, called Helicobacter pylori, were much less likely to have asthma than uninfected children, they reported.Read the rest of this entry »

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Kids as young as eight should take cholesterol drugs to prevent them from getting heart disease, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended as quoted by media reports on Monday.
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A new study has shown that doctors are reluctant to reduce drug use among kids with asthma even if lower dose is best. In the study involving 310 pediatricians, 40 percent said they would not step down high-dose treatment even if a child's symptoms were well controlled and infrequent. "Asthma medications can have serious, albeit infrequent.

via newkerala.com

Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy may affect the newborn's primary tooth calcification, a risk factor in neonatal tooth decay. University of Manitoba investigators presented the results of a study to determine the vitamin D status of pregnant women, the incidence of enamel defects and early-childhood tooth decay among their infants. Two hundred and six pregnant women in their second trimester participated in the study.

via newkerala.com

LOCAL midwives have been busy working on a new project designed to give babies the best possible chance at health. Muswellbrook and Scone District Health Service midwives with the help of a community representative have developed a breastfeeding program called Healthy Babies, Uninterrupted, Skin to Skin, Hands Off (HUSH).
The unique program endeavours to assist mothers in breastfeeding their babies in the early days from birth.

via muswellbrook.yourguide.com.au

The China Advertising Association officially released its newest set of self-discipline rules on Tuesday.
The rules stipulate that advertising must be true and legal and should not cheat or mislead customers, Beijing Youth Daily reports. Suggestions include stating that milk powder advertisements must contain phrases in support of breast feeding and sanitary towel advertisements should not advocate long period usage without changing.

via chinadaily.com.cn

Mothers who eat junk food during pregnancy and while breastfeeding have obesity-prone children, rat studies suggest. Once weaned, the offspring of junk-food-fed mothers prefer junk foods more than the offspring of rats fed a healthy diet during pregnancy. But even when fed a healthy diet, the offspring of the junk-food-fed mothers are fatter than the offspring of rats fed healthy food.

via medicinenet.com

University College London researchers found changes in brain oxygen levels - a response to pain - did not match other signs. The findings suggest commonly used scales to rate pain in babies may produce misleadingly low scores. The study is published in the Public Library of Science journal.

via news.bbc.co.uk

The tests could help spot early the signs of worsening asthma, allowing it to be brought back under control.
Research by Imperial College London suggested the tests cut the use of oral steroids by nearly a third over a three-year period. A national guideline already recommends the use of sputum tests in adults.

via news.bbc.co.uk

In a child, back pain is different from back pain in adults. Particularly in children under age 4, it indicates a serious underlying problem, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says. You should see your doctor if your child has back pain, the academy says, especially if accompanied by any of these other symptoms:
* Fever.
* Weight loss.
* Feelings of weakness or numbness.
* Difficulty walking.

via medicinenet.com

Hospitals and birth centers could go further in promoting breastfeeding, the CDC reports. In a new CDC survey, most hospitals and birth centers — 88% — say they teach most new moms breastfeeding techniques. But the survey — completed by more than 2,600 hospitals and birth centers in the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. — also shows room for improvement.

via medicinenet.com

Routine childhood vaccinations do not increase the risk of developing diabetes, according to a study of more than 700,000 Danish children. The study, led by Anders Hviid of the Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen, looked at all Danish children born from 1990 through 2000 and found that diabetes rates were not higher regardless of what types of vaccines were administered.
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The lung function of asthmatic children can be checked by using a simple test that measures the nitric oxide concentration in their exhaled breath. The practice, however, is not part of the routine for young patients, said Michael Barczok of Germany’s federal association of pneumologists located in Heidenheim. But it should be because it allows for a more exact asthma check and is easier for children.Read the rest of this entry »

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