(HealthDay News) — Tooth brushing should begin in infancy to instill lifelong habits and protect teeth throughout adulthood. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests: Start practicing oral hygiene as soon as your baby is born by wiping baby’s gums with a soft, clean washcloth. Never give your baby a bottleContinue Reading
TUESDAY, Dec. 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Spanking your child may have unintended consequences as he or she forges adult romantic relationships years later, a new study suggests. The study found that spanked kids tended to have higher odds of being violent toward their dating partners, researchers said. “While weContinue Reading
MONDAY, Dec. 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The e-cigarette may not be just a “healthier alternative” to smoking for teens. New research shows that teens who vape may be more apt to use tobacco cigarettes later on. When teens smoked an e-cigarette during one month, they were up to sevenContinue Reading
FRIDAY, Dec. 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — People who were born prematurely may have smaller-than-normal airways in adulthood, which can cause respiratory problems, researchers say. Premature birth is associated with poorer heart and lung function, but the reasons why have not been fully understood. In a new study, investigators comparedContinue Reading
FRIDAY, Dec. 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Gazing at your baby may do more than strengthen that bond with your newborn, a new study suggests. Eye contact between parents and their infants actually helps synchronize their brain waves, researchers report. “When the adult and infant are looking at each other,Continue Reading
(HealthDay News) — “Sexting” refers to sending a text message with pictures that are inappropriate, especially involving nudity. According to a recent survey by the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 20 percent of teen boys and girls have acknowledged sending such messages. The AAP suggests how to talk about sextingContinue Reading
THURSDAY, Nov. 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Teens fixated on their smartphones experience changes to their brain chemistry that mirror those prompted by addiction, a new study suggests. Kids who compulsively used the internet or fiddled with their phones tended to have increased neurotransmitter activity in the anterior cingulate cortex,Continue Reading
THURSDAY, Nov. 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — You want your kids to enjoy many experiences, but between afterschool programs, music lessons and team sports, your schedule can go haywire. Try these ideas from the University of Florida Extension and Michigan State University Extension to keep your cool and teach yourContinue Reading
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 29, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The majority of children growing up in America today will be obese by age 35, a new computer analysis predicts. The study’s lead author, Zachary Ward, described the forecast as “sobering.” But, he added, “It should not be surprising that we are headingContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Childproofing a home is important even after your little one reaches toddlerhood. KidsHealth.org offers these suggestions to make your home safer for kids of all ages: Keep guns locked in a sturdy cabinet. Keepcoin lithium (“button”) batteries out of a child’s reach. They may be deadly ifContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Even young children have stress. If it’s bad enough, it may interfere with your youngster’s sleep. The National Sleep Foundation mentions these warning signs of stress-induced loss of sleep in children: Decreased appetite. Headache. Bedwetting. Stomach upset or pain. Inability to relax. Aggressiveness or stubbornness. Inability toContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — 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 comfortContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — 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. OnceContinue Reading
MONDAY, Nov. 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — 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 isContinue Reading