Breast-Feeding May Help Babies Develop Healthy Mix of Gut Bacteria

Breast-feeding may contribute to the development of healthy bacteria in a baby's gut, a new study finds.

The results show that three-month-old babies that had been fed only breast milk had a wider range of bacteria in their guts than babies that were fed only formula. The researchers also found a link between the bacteria in the babies' guts and changes in the expression of genes involved in their immune systems.

Bottles, Pacifiers and Sippy Cups Can Send Tots to the ER

Harmless-looking bottles, pacifiers and sippy cups are associated with a significant number of injuries in infants and toddlers, a new study finds.

Researchers looked at a database of hospital records, and found 45,000 cases of children under age 3 being treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to using these products between 1991 and 2010.

Moms Wield Greater Influence Than TV on Sexualization of Girls

While the media is often blamed for influencing young girls' desire to be sexy, a new study suggests mothers' attitudes play a more important role.

In the study, researchers found no link between the amount of TV and movies that girls ages 6 to 9 watched, and their risk of sexualizing themselves. (Sexualization is defined as valuing oneself solely on sex appeal, or treating oneself as a sex object.) However, among girls who watched a lot of TV and movies, those who had mothers who worried about their own looks were at increased risk of early sexualization, the study found.

Tiniest Infants May Benefit from Baby Formula in Addition to Breast Milk

For the tiniest babies, adding baby formula to their diet of breast milk may help them grow faster, a new study says.

Researchers followed 171 infants who generally weighed about 2 pounds at birth. These "very low birth weight" (VLBW) infants had been born during the 27th week of pregnancy on average (10 weeks before full term), and their weights were normal for babies born that early.

Only Children More Likely to Be Overweight

Kids with no siblings may be at increased risk for childhood obesity, a new study from Europe suggests.

In the study, children between ages 2 to 9 with no siblings were about 50 percent more likely to be overweight than children who had siblings.  The results held even after the researchers took into account factors that could influence the children's weight, including gender, birth weight, parental weights, and the amounts of time the kids spent playing and watching TV.

Circumcision's Benefits Outweigh Risks, Doctors Say

The health benefits of circumcision outweigh the procedure's risks, and the operation should be covered by insurance, according to new recommendations from an influential group of doctors.

The recommendations, released today (Aug. 27) by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), say the procedure's benefits include reducing the risks of HIV infection, urinary tract infection and penile cancer. But the AAP also says the benefits of circumcision are not weighty enough to broadly recommend circumcision for all male infants.

Belly Fat May Be Worse than Obesity for Heart Disease Risk

People who are normal weight but carry extra fat around their belly have a higher risk of dying from heart disease than obese people, a new study suggests.

The findings add to a growing body of research that so-called visceral fat, or fat around the organs of the abdomen, is particularly bad for health. “Our research shows that if a person has a normal BMI, this by itself should not reassure them that their risk for heart disease is low. Where their fat is distributed on their body can mean a lot," said study researcher Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Fitness in Middle-Age Linked with Fewer Diseases Later in Life

People who are physically fit during middle age have not only a higher chance of living longer, but also are less likely to suffer from chronic diseases later in life, compared with their less fit counterparts, a new study says.

Eating Nuts in Pregnancy May Lower Kids' Asthma Risk

Women who eat peanuts during pregnancy may reduce their child's risk of asthma later in life, a new study from Denmark suggests.

In the study, children of mothers who ate peanuts at least once a week during pregnancy were 21 percent less likely to develop asthma by the time they were 18 months old, compared with children of mothers who did not eat peanuts while pregnant. The study found a similar link between eating tree nuts, such as almonds and pecans, during pregnancy and a lower risk of asthma in children.

Rare Form of Autism Might Benefit from Nutrition Supplement

People who have a very rare form of autism may benefit from treatment with a common nutritional supplement, a new study suggests. The results show some people who have symptoms of both autism and epilepsy have a rare genetic mutation that causes them to have abnormally low levels of essential nutrients called branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).

When the researchers fed a diet enriched with BCAAs to mice that were engineered to have that same genetic mutation, the diet completely reversed the symptoms, the researchers said. The mice not fed the enriched diet showed the symptoms of epilepsy and other neurological problems.

Smoking Pot Linked to Testicular Cancer Risk

Smoking marijuana may increase young men's risk of testicular cancer, a new study suggests.

In the study, marijuana users were about twice as likely to be diagnosed with testicular cancer compared to those who had never used marijuana. The link was particularly strong for the types of testicular cancer that tend to have a worse prognosis, the researchers said. The study only found an association, and does not show marijuana use causes testicular cancer. However, the work is the third study to find such a link, and the results warrant investigation into whether compounds in marijuana smoke may be carcinogenic to the testes, the researchers said.

Most Sore Throats Don't Need Antibiotics, Experts Say

Many people who see a doctor for a sore throat receive prescriptions for antibiotics, but most do not need them, experts say.

That's because most sore throats are caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics, the Infectious Diseases Society of America says.

According to new guidelines released today (Sept. 11) by the IDSA, people should take antibiotics for strep throat only if a test confirms they have the condition.

Secret Revealed: Kids Will Choose Healthy Meals If They're Fun

As a parent, I've had my share of "meal battles" with kids. Even if you vow never to take your children to any fast food joints, they will still see the commercials on television, or hear about the food from their friends. Unfortunately, there's no skirting this issue. But one study set out to see whether it's the food, or the toys in kids' meals that are attracting the kiddos. 

Tonsil Surgery Linked to Weight Gain in Kids Under 6

Some kids gain weight after having surgery to remove their tonsils, and the risk is greatest for those less than 6 years old, a new study finds.

In the study, which analyzed information from 115 children ages 6 months to 18 years, the average weight gain six months after a tonsillectomy was two to five pounds.

Beyond Vegetables and Exercise: 5 Surprising Ways to Be Heart Healthy

You're probably familiar with the tried-and-true ways of lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke: quit smoking, lose weight, exercise and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. But recent studies have uncovered some possible preventative measures that are not so commonplace. Here are five surprising ways to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.

Parents' Divorce May Increase Men's Stroke Risk

Boys whose parents divorce may be at increased risk of stroke later in life, a new study suggests.

In the study, men whose parents had divorced parents before they were 18 were three times more likely to suffer a stroke during adulthood compared with those whose parents did not divorce. The results held even after the researchers took into account factors that influence the risk of stroke, including smoking habits, exercise, obesity, alcohol use and health care coverage. Participants were not included in the study if they had experienced child abuse, or their parents were addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Lack of Sleep May Affect When Kids Enter Puberty

Getting enough deep sleep may play an important role in determining when puberty begins.

In a small new study, adolescents ages 10 to 15 were examined while they slept for increases in luteinizing hormone, which triggers ovulation in females and stimulates the production of testosterone in males. Previous research showed that luteinizing hormone levels increase dramatically before puberty, and that this increase occurs initially only at night. The new study found that most of the surges occurred during slow-wave sleep, or deep sleep, from which it is particularly hard to wake people up.

Expectant Moms: How to Keep Weight Gains Healthy

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Avoiding foods that can send blood sugar levels spiking may help women reduce their risks of gaining too much weight during pregnancy, a new study from Ireland suggests.

In the study, 48 percent of women who maintained their usual diet during pregnancy gained more weight during pregnancy than recommended, whereas only 38 percent of women who switched to a diet of low-glycemic index (GI) foods gained too much weight. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women of normal weight gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy.

Pet dogs, brothers and sisters may help protect against egg allergy in children

Having a pet dog at home may help prevent babies from developing an allergy to eggs, according to new research.

An Australian study of more than 5000 babies found that 10.2 per cent of babies in homes without a dog had egg allergies compared with just 5.9 per cent of babies living in a house with a dog.

The protective effect of having a dog inside the house on egg allergy, was also evident among those without a family history of allergic disease, researchers from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne said.

Controlled crying safe for babies

It’s the big choice for every new parent desperate for their infant to get some sleep – to leave to cry, or not to leave to cry.

For many, the notion of letting a baby blub at night without rushing to cuddle, rock or sing is too much to bear, despite the advice of countless parenting ‘gurus’. But new Australian research suggests that such techniques as controlled crying – although not the more extreme “cry-it-out” methods - have no ill effects and are genuinely effective for babies over six months old.

Pregnant wife inspired new low-cost baby scanner

Low-cost portable scanner could save hundreds of thousands of lives in developing countries.

An electronic engineer has developed a low-cost baby scanner, which could save hundreds of thousands of lives. Jeff Neasham, an expert in underwater sonar technology at Newcastle University was inspired by his pregnant wife to develop the portable low-cost scanner, which can be plugged into any computer or laptop to reveal vital information about the unborn baby. He said:"It was my own experience of becoming a father and going through the whole antenatal process that prompted me to start the project.

Making sense of cry babies

BABIES' actions speak louder than words - and now parents can crack the code.

One of the biggest mysteries of parenthood, what is going on in your bub's little head, has been unlocked by a new resource.

Crying, cooing, sucking, staring into the distance or avoiding eye contact? The Raising Children Network website video series uses real-life examples to interpret their behaviour.

Executive director Dr Julie Green said parents of newborns struggled most with understanding when babies were tired, hungry, uncomfortable or restless. "Long before they can talk, babies use cues to let parents know what they need," she said.

Drinking mums hand kids a lifelong sentence

PREGNANT mums who won't quit drinking are giving birth to brain-damaged babies who develop learning and social disorders.

Experts say, despite health warnings, one in five women continues to drink during pregnancy and hundreds of babies are born each year with undiagnosed brain impairment.

The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education has have drawn up a $37 million management plan to tackle foetal alcohol problems, which they will present to the Federal Government today.

They want to spend more than $10 million on a campaign to drive home the message that women who drink while pregnant can cause brain damage in their unborn babies

Teach your kids to be good sports

Kids' behaviour on the field often mimics parents' behaviour on the sidelines.

Did you know?

About 1.7 million, or 63 per cent, of children play at least one organised sport outside school hours, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Parents form the backbone of junior sport: coaching, managing and helping out on the field and in the club. While their role is invaluable, every parent whose child plays in a team has an important part to play because the way kids act on the field can be a mirror image of how their parents act on the sidelines.

In a bid to emphasise this message, many sporting codes and associations ask parents to sign a "good behaviour" oath at the start of the season, and coaches (most of whom are mums and dads volunteering their time) now hold pre-season briefing sessions for parents, outlining their coaching philosophy, expectations of parents and hopes for the season ahead.

Why humour is good for kids

Engaging your child's sense of comedy boosts resilience and wellbeing.

Are you raising a future Monty Python fan or will your child crack up watching The Simpsons – and how much control does a parent have over their progeny's emerging sense of humour?

Considering how much time adults spend trying to make babies and children laugh, little research has been done into development of the childhood funny bone.

But what experts in the area of humour firmly believe is that being able to laugh plays a crucial role in the development of resilience and wellbeing, and can help children navigate through and cope with the different stages of life.

What to do about night terrors

Did you know?

The main difference between a night terror and a nightmare is that a night terror is not remembered by the child the next morning, but a nightmare is. Their eyes are open, they seem to be looking at you and they are screaming and thrashing around as though they are possessed. It is most likely a night terror and for parents it is a frightening thing to witness.

A "witness" is often all mums and dads can be because the professional advice says parents should not wake their children, but just be there to ensure they don't harm themselves.

"A child having a night terror can seem like they're awake but they're not," says Dr Honey Heussler, developmental paediatrician at Brisbane's Mater Children's Hospital. She adds that during a night terror, children can also be difficult to comfort because they may not be able to hear their parents.

Listening the key to kids learning

Listening is an essential skill that sets your child on the road to speaking. It's the key to learning and to forming good relationships.

Talking and listening go hand in hand. Long before your baby talks, you have ‘conversations’ – speaking to her, naming things, pausing while she reacts, then reacting back to her. Listening to you she absorbs the basic blocks of language, and your expressiv and exaggerated speech helps her learn and pronounce words. At the same time, she’s  learning that there are pauses and nonverbal exchanges that are as telling as the words themselves. Once she’s begun talking, it’s the way you listen to her that will help her become a good listener too.

Helping them through their first days of school

You sent them off to school in their shiny new shoes, Charlie and Lola backpack strapped on, Peppa Pig lunchbox swinging… but now it’s tears before bedtime.

When your littlest ones are finding those first days of school too much to bear, what can you do to help them through? The truth is, regardless of whether they’ve been in nursery or rubbing along with Mum or Dad at home, the transition can be huge.

From separation anxiety to fears about going to the toilet or whether they will find new friends, the worries can crowd in and seem overwhelming. Just think: you feel like crying, so what might be going through their little heads?

5 Reasons to Monitor Ovulation

Trying to get pregnant can be a frustrating process for some people, while for others, it is could be as easy as ABC. Knowing when your ovulation occurs is the key to this, all other things being equal. The following gives you an idea on why you need to monitor your ovulation.

Are there vitamins that can increase fertility?

We know that vitamins are essential for keeping our bodies working properly -- they help regulate the body's functions and keep everything operating smoothly -- so it seems logical that they would play a role in one of the body's most complicated processes: reproduction. But can taking certain vitamins actually increase the chances of getting pregnant and having a successful birth? In other words, can they increase fertility? While most studies on the link between vitamins and fertility are inconclusive, some findings do suggest a connection between getting healthy amounts of certain vitamins and the ability to conceive.

Fertility and Your Age

More women today find they want to put off pregnancy until their careers are well established, or until they've gotten more life experience. However, research shows that pregnancies in women over the age of 35 suffer from more problems than those in younger women. How great are the risks compared with the benefits, and what do you really need to be concerned about?

How can you tell if your child is a prodigy?

Child prodigies wouldn't be considered such if they never had the opportunity to discover their talents. Let's take the example of Autumn de Forest, an 8-year-old who had spent plenty of time drawing with crayons and pencils before she recognized her true artistic abilities. Her father was in the basement staining a piece of wood when the then-5-year-old asked if she could use some of the leftover materials to play. Shortly thereafter, her father turned around to find quite a surprise. Autumn -- using the stain and a spare piece of wood -- had created a work that displayed an artistic ability far beyond her years.

Sleep apnoea? Lose weight

It's a scary thought: not breathing for seconds while you sleep. For many people, this condition – called sleep apnoea – is a daily reality. Now research shows that certain dietary changes can make the world of difference.

What is sleep apnoea? Sleep apnoea is a relatively common condition where breathing is interrupted during sleep by partial or complete collapse of the upper airways. Up to 5% of western populations have this uncontrolled condition 

Sleep yourself slim

Could more sleep really be the secret to effective weight loss? It seems too good to be true, and yet convincing research has shown that just one more hour of sleep a night could help you shed those extra kilos.

In fact, neuro-scientist Karine Spiegelof France's INSERM, a public organisation dedicated to biological, medical and public health research, claimed that there are more than 30 surveys which were carried out on worldwide population samples to back this theory up. "More sleep could be the ideal way of stabilising weight or slimming," she said, and added that, although poor eating habits and a lack of exercise contribute to the global rise in obesity, there is a growing consensus that a lack of sleep also plays a pivotal role.

Parents warned over liquitabs danger to toddlers

A campaign has been launched by doctors to warn parents of the dangers of liquitabs, the liquid detergent capsules used in dishwashers and washing machines.

Five children under the age of two have been admitted to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow this year alone after biting into the bright-coloured capsules which can cause chemical burns to the throat and eyes. The youngest child was just 10 months old.

Sleep tips: 7 steps to better sleep

You're not doomed to toss and turn every night. Consider simple tips for better sleep, from setting a sleep schedule to including physical activity in your daily routine.

Feeling crabby lately? Or simply worn out? Perhaps the solution is better sleep.

Think about all the factors that can interfere with a good night's sleep — from pressure at work and family responsibilities to unexpected challenges, such as layoffs, relationship issues or illnesses. It's no wonder that quality sleep is sometimes elusive.

Although you might not be able to control all of the factors that interfere with your sleep, you can adopt habits that encourage better sleep. Start with these simple sleep tips.

Getting Kids Ready For the New School Year

The summer holidays are winding down gradually. It is also a reminder to parents that their kids and wards would soon be heading back to school. Having taken a long time off school, it is, therefore, important that we ease the little ones back to school gradually. This will help in preparing them for the mental challenge ahead, easing them out of the holiday spirit. The following tips are to help parents and kids make that much needed transition from holiday mood to academic mood.

Causes of Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when one or more of the arteries supplying your heart with oxygen-rich blood (coronary arteries) become blocked. Over time, a coronary artery can become narrowed from the buildup of cholesterol. This buildup — collectively known as plaques — in arteries throughout the body is called atherosclerosis.

During a heart attack, one of these plaques can rupture and a blood clot forms on the site of the rupture. If the clot is large enough, it can completely block the flow of blood through the artery. When your coronary arteries have narrowed due to atherosclerosis, the condition is known as coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is the underlying cause of most heart attacks.

An uncommon cause of a heart attack is a spasm of a coronary artery that shuts down blood flow to part of the heart muscle. Drugs, such as cocaine, can cause such a life-threatening spasm. A heart attack can also occur due to a tear in the heart artery (coronary artery dissection). Other uncommon causes of heart attack include small blood clots or tumors that have traveled from other parts of the body (coronary embolism).

How to Prevent Heart Attack

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. For those over 65, the risk of heart disease rises significantly. While those statistics may be frightening, there are many simple strategies that can greatly reduce the risk.

Whether you are already at risk for heart attacks, or are simply concerned about your health, heart attack prevention may mean a significant lifestyle change. With these simple steps, you can learn how to prevent a heart attack – and how to stop heart attack if you feel the symptoms coming on.

Reasons Why You Should Let Your Kid Get ‘Dirty’

Parents don't let their children pay in mud, soil or dirt because they don't want them to get sick or poisoned. The focus on hyper cleanliness might seem like a good thing but new research supports that contact with dirt is good for young children. Here are five reasons why you should allow your child to play in the dirt every now and then: 
Research supports that dirt is not harmful but rather good for the body

Have you stopped your toddler millions of times from putting dirty things in their mouth? Jane Brody from The New York Times states that there is an evolutionary reason for such a common behavior, which science supports. This evolutionary reason is defined as 'hygiene hypothesis.' According to researchers, soil contains bacteria, viruses and worms that are important for the development of a healthy immune system. Dr Graham Rook, a professor at the Centre for Clinical Microbiology at the University College London, said that tiny organisms have been present with us since the beginning of humanity. These bugs had to be tolerated, thus they activated the tolerance level of our immune system.

Secondhand smoke: Avoid dangers in the air

Exposure to the toxins in secondhand smoke can cause asthma, cancer and other serious problems. Know what you're breathing — and consider practical steps for clearing the air.

You don't smoke because you understand the dangers — but what about secondhand smoke? Secondhand smoke causes or contributes to various health problems, including heart disease, lung disease and various types of cancer. Understand what's in secondhand smoke, and consider ways to protect yourself and those you love from secondhand smoke.

Toilet accidents at the start of term - what parents can do

Wetting and soiling is common for young children as they start school. It can be a difficult and embarrassing time for kids, parents and teachers, but there's nothing to be ashamed of

Starting school is a big milestone for families and as the first day looms, parents everywhere are busy preparing their kids to become independent during the school day.  It’s usually expected that children will have developed good toileting skills by the time they start school, but increasingly teachers are reporting that this isn’t the case. And for parents whose children are not yet fully clean or dry, the prospect of starting school can be fraught with anxiety about how their child will cope.

Lead exposure: Tips to protect your child

Lead exposure is preventable. Find out about common sources of lead exposure and what you can do to protect your child.

Young children are at the greatest risk of health problems related to lead exposure, including serious brain and kidney damage. Children age 3 and under are especially vulnerable because their ways of playing and exploring — such as crawling and putting objects in their mouths — increase their risk of contact with lead, and of lead entering their bodies through breathing or swallowing.

Iron deficiency in children: Prevention tips for parents

Iron deficiency in children can affect development and lead to anemia. Find out how much iron your child needs, the best sources of iron and more.

Is your child getting enough iron in his or her diet? Find out what causes iron deficiency in children, how to recognize it and how to prevent it.

Why is iron important for children?

Iron is a nutrient that's essential to your child's growth and development. Iron helps move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and helps muscles store and use oxygen. If your child's diet lacks iron, he or she may develop a condition called iron deficiency. Iron deficiency in children can occur at many levels, from depleted iron stores to anemia — a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues, providing energy and giving skin a healthy color. Untreated iron deficiency in children can cause physical and mental delays in areas such as walking and talking.

Healthy snacks for kids: 10 child-friendly tips

Healthy snacks for kids don't have to be dull. Consider 10 tips for quick-and-healthy snacks.

Snacking is a major pastime for many kids — and that's not necessarily bad. Nutritious snacking can help your child curb hunger throughout the day, as well as provide energy and important nutrients. Find out how to make healthy snacks for kids.

Halloween safety: Tips for trick-or-treaters

Make Halloween safety part of your holiday fun. Start with these practical Halloween safety tips.

It's the time of year for costumes, sweets, and tricks and treats. Put Halloween safety first with these common-sense tips.

Thumb sucking: Help your child break the habit

Thumb sucking can be a difficult habit for a child to break. Understand what you can do to help your child stop sucking his or her thumb.

Thumb sucking is a common habit among children. If your child sucks his or her thumb for too long, however, it might be a habit that you'd like to break. Start by finding out what's behind thumb sucking — and understanding ways to stop the behavior.

Single parent? Tips for raising a child alone

Raising a child on your own can be stressful. If you're a single parent, understand how to cope with the pressure, find support and nurture your child.

If you're raising a child on your own, you're in good company. Single-parent families are more common than ever. Know how to manage some of the special challenges single parents experience and what you can do to raise a happy, healthy child.

Smoking in pregnancy leads to asthma in children later on

Smoking during pregnancy is associated with wheeze and asthma in preschool children, a new study has found.

The conditions also occured where the child was not exposed to maternal smoking in late pregnancy or after birth.

The study, led by Dr Åsa Neuman of Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, reviewed data on 21,600 children, including 735 who were exposed to maternal smoking only during pregnancy.

Top 10 reasons why you’re not losing weight

If you’ve been adhering to a strict healthy eating and fitness plan for a while but are failing to see the results, it may be time take a look at what is sabotaging your success. From dieting blunders to physical factors, check out the top 10 reasons why you’re not losing weight.