Habits: How They Form And How To Break Them : NPR

Habits: How They Form And How To Break Them : NPR: Think about something it took you a really long time to learn, like how to parallel park. At first, parallel parking was difficult and you had to devote a lot of mental energy to it. But after you grew comfortable with parallel parking, it became much easier — almost habitual, you could say.

12 surprising facts about breastfeeding new moms should know

12 surprising facts about breastfeeding new moms should know | Fox News: For new moms, breastfeeding can be frustrating— and rewarding. Here are some surprising facts that will help you understand what your body is going through.

Tablets, smartphones can stunt child development, experts say | Las Vegas Review-Journal

Tablets, smartphones can stunt child development, experts say | Las Vegas Review-Journal: Dr. Justin Maxwell, a Las Vegas family practitioner with HealthCare Partners Nevada, says the overuse of smartphones and tablet computers by children fosters a sedentary lifestyle, which contributes to obesity and might stunt development if the devices are used at too young an age.

“Technology can’t replace social interaction,” Maxwell said. “When you’re isolating yourself in the cloud, when you’re watching TV, or you’re playing on your iPad or iPhone, you’re not developing those skills.”

Early caregiving may affect child's academic, social success

Early caregiving may affect child's academic, social success | Fox News: Individuals who experience sensitive caregiving during the first three years of life may see lasting effects on their relationships and academic achievement, research published Thursday in the journal Child Development suggests.

The question of whether caregivers’ behavior can impact these aspects of their children’s lives spans even before Sigmud Freud’s psychological study of parent-child relationships in the 1800s. However, research has yet to analyze this potential association in adulthood, said lead study author Lee Raby, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Delaware.

5 ways God can save your marriage | Deseret News

5 ways God can save your marriage | Deseret News: Marriage and religion have been bound together for years. Marriage ceremonies are, after all, done in churches, temples and other religious houses of worship, as a way of uniting couples.

And apparently it’s beneficial for the health of your relationship.

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, marriage and religion, when mixed together, offer a massive amount of benefits for a person’s quality of life, including better physical health, longer life, economic success and more stability for children.

UW research on brain activity delivers lessons on how kids learn | Education | The Seattle Times

UW research on brain activity delivers lessons on how kids learn | Education | The Seattle Times: Scientists at the UW are figuring out what happens as children learn — and how to assist those who struggle. Their discoveries are already helping parents and schools.

Parents must set the tone when it comes to children's Christmas lists

Child development expert says parents must set the tone when it comes to children's Christmas lists: The best gift parents can give their children for Christmas may be helping them understand less can be more, according to a Kansas State University child development expert who has advice on what gifts are best to give young children for Christmas.

Certain parenting tactics could lead to materialistic attitudes in adulthood

Certain parenting tactics could lead to materialistic attitudes in adulthood: With the holiday season in full swing and presents piling up under the tree, many parents may be tempted to give children all the toys and gadgets they ask for or use the expectation of gifts to manage children's behavior. Now, a new study from the University of Missouri and the University of Illinois at Chicago found that parents who use material goods as part of their parenting techniques may be setting children up for difficulties later in adulthood.

allAfrica.com: Rwanda: Parenting Cannot Be Delegated

allAfrica.com: Rwanda: Parenting Cannot Be Delegated: It takes a whole village to raise a child, goes an old adage. In this era, this saying is still relevant because a child's upbringing is still the responsibility of parents, the community and teachers/schools, among others.

Study says more than half of all infants at risk for suffocation or SIDS when sleeping | Fox News

Study says more than half of all infants at risk for suffocation or SIDS when sleeping | Fox News: Too many U.S. infants sleep with blankets, pillows or other unsafe bedding that may lead to suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome, despite guidelines recommending against the practice. That's according to researchers who say 17 years of national data show parents need to be better informed.

Living the Play-Full Life

Living the Play-Full Life: For decades researchers have noted the wide-reaching power of play and recreation to teach persistence, build confidence, and improve family relationships, while also warning of broad threats to them: schedules packed with extracurricular activities, media overload, and hovering parents. BYU scholars like Freeman, chair of the Department of Recreation Management, have added strong voices to that conversation—a conversation that has taken on personal relevance for many of them as they have worked to integrate play and recreation into their own families.

Why your doctor wants you to read aloud to your toddler | Deseret News National

Why your doctor wants you to read aloud to your toddler | Deseret News National: Fourteen published studies prove that ROR works, said Brian Gallagher, acting executive director of Reach Out and Read. These studies include a handful of “gold standard” random controlled experiments.

At least four strong studies show that kids given the ROR treatment had more advanced vocabularies than the control groups. And other studies showed that ROR shifted parental attitudes and behavior shifted significantly.

What you do with the book varies by the child’s age, High said. “At six months, the child reaches for the book, looks at it and pats some of the pictures. As they get older they learn how to orient the book and open the pages, and name the objects in pictures.”

Organizations Explore Cheap, Home-Based Early Childhood Development | Heartlander Magazine

Organizations Explore Cheap, Home-Based Early Childhood Development | Heartlander Magazine: Institutions outside of the home are increasingly viewed, and funded, as the best developers of young minds, although studies show the few early learning gains of institutionalized preschoolers fade out within the first few years of entering school.

Breastfeeding tied to fewer ear, sinus infections in children | Fox News

Breastfeeding tied to fewer ear, sinus infections in children | Fox News: “This study provides hard evidence that health benefits of breastfeeding go beyond infancy and breastfeeding seems to be the best prescription for preventing these infections,” said Dr. Ruowei Li, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, who led the study.

8 everyday activities that fuel your child's brain development

8 everyday activities that fuel your child's brain development: Did you know your child is making massive strides just playing in dirt, building forts with blankets, and scribbling on paper?

Seventy percent of a human’s brain development happens during the first three years of life through play. Here are eight ways your child is developing right before your eyes, according to KinderCare Learning Centers, the nation’s leading provider of early childhood education.

Behavioral interventions in children and adolescents with au... : Current Opinion in Pediatrics

Behavioral interventions in children and adolescents with au... : Current Opinion in Pediatrics: Purpose of review: The study provides an overview of recent studies on behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Recent findings: Recent reviews of the effectiveness of early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) conclude that EIBI can improve language and cognitive skills. The first randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a comprehensive early intervention for toddlers with ASD demonstrated gains in language, cognitive abilities, and adaptive behavior. Targeted, brief behavioral interventions are efficacious for improving social communication in young children with ASD. Parents can be taught to deliver behavioral interventions, which are associated with improvements in parent–child interaction; effects on child outcome, however, have been mixed. Several studies show that social skills interventions are efficacious for improving peer relationships and social competence. Behavioral interventions are also effective for reducing anxiety symptoms and aggression. Medication combined with behavioral intervention was found to be more effective for reducing aggression than medication alone.
Summary: Behavioral interventions are effective for improving language, cognitive abilities, adaptive behavior, and social skills, and reducing anxiety and aggression. Medication combined with behavioral intervention appears to be more effective for reducing aggressive behavior than medication alone.

At granny's house: More children raised by grandparents than before | Deseret News National

At granny's house: More children raised by grandparents than before | Deseret News National: The number of children being raised by their grandparents shot up, doubling from 2000's 2.4 million to 4.9 million in 2010, according to U.S. Census figures.

Many times, situations arise in which a child can no longer safely live with a biological parent or legal guardian, Mary Jane Di Paolo, assistant director of Community Child Care Solutions, told USA Today and the New Jersey Courier News. She said that New Jersey's Department of Child and Families tries to place children first with relatives and acquaintances whom the child knows, which may be one reason more children are living with grandparents.

Play: One of the most important factors in a child’s development | MSU Extension

Play: One of the most important factors in a child’s development | MSU Extension: The previous two articles in this series by Michigan State University Extension focused on children playing and learning in nature. Research proves there are positive effects of nature on children and their overall well-being. Nature can be attributed to creativity, better cognitive skills, lower obesity rates and a whole host of other beneficial reasons doctors are actually prescribing “time in nature” to their patients. In addition, recent studies indicate that not only nature, but letting children have free play has a big impact on their overall health by what educators call executive function.

Maternal Parenting Behavior and Child Behavior Problems in Families of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Springer

Maternal Parenting Behavior and Child Behavior Problems in Families of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Springer: Parents of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face specific challenges in parenting, but concrete parenting behavior has never been properly investigated in these families. This exploratory questionnaire study compared parenting behaviors among mothers of children and adolescents with ASD (n = 552) and without ASD (n = 437) and examined associations between child behavior problems and parenting behavior. Results showed that mothers of children with ASD reported significantly lower scores on Rules and Discipline and higher scores on Positive Parenting, Stimulating the Development, and Adapting the Environment. Age was differently related to parenting behavior in the ASD versus control group. Furthermore, distinctive correlation patterns between parenting behavior and externalizing or internalizing behavior problems were found for both groups.

TV and children's development | BPS

TV and children's development | BPS: Research carried out at the University of Iowa, published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, found that if a TV programme is on in the background, rather than being watched intently, it can take a child's attention away from play and learning.

This was particularly apparent among low-income families and households in which the parents have not been well-educated.

The team behind the study has therefore suggested that once a youngster has finished sitting down to watch a certain show, the television should be turned off.

Flights of Fancy | Free play shapes a child's brain—and bestows a lifetime of benefits

Flights of Fancy | HMS: Play fosters empathy and makes possible complex social groups, according to researchers who study brain development and behavior. Early childhood educators, as well as managers in diverse fields who need to hire skilled problem solvers, find that a strong foundation of childhood play is at the core of imagination and innovation. Play may even serve as a short-term boost for problem-solving skills: cognitive scientists have found that young children who approach problems within the context of play are able to solve logic problems often considered beyond their cognitive abilities.

Is misused neuroscience defining early years and child protection policy? | Education | The Guardian

Is misused neuroscience defining early years and child protection policy? | Education | The Guardian: Neuroscience is huge in early years policy. This week, in what's been characterised as the largest shake-up of family law in a generation, the 26-week time limit for adoption proceedings has come into force, much of it justified by the now-or-never urgency of this set of beliefs, that the first three years (or sometimes first 18 months) hardwire a baby's brain, either give it or deny it the capacity for a full life. This is the engine of what is known as the First Three Years movement, which has transfixed politicians from across the spectrum. Allen and Duncan Smith's report opened with an illustration of the "normal child's" large brain and the shrivelled, walnut brain of the neglected child.

Understanding and responding to the increase in teen depression | Deseret News National

Understanding and responding to the increase in teen depression | Deseret News National: The World Mental Health Survey, which was supported by WHO, found that half of those who suffered from mental health problems, including depression, first experience symptoms at age 14. In high-income countries, like the United States, fewer than half of adolescents with a mental health problem receive treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control reported that a survey of students in grades 9-12 at schools in the United States revealed “16 percent of students reported seriously considering suicide, 13 percent reported creating a plan, and 8 percent reported trying to take their own life in the 12 months preceding the survey.”

In America today, high school and college students are five to eight times as likely to suffer from depressive symptoms as were teenagers 50 or 60 years ago, according to Psychology Today.

Bed-Sharing Linked to SIDS

Bed-Sharing Linked to SIDS: Risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) appear to change with the age of the infant, researchers say.

They found that younger babies are more likely to die when they're sharing beds, while older babies face a higher risk of sudden death when there are objects in the crib with them, such as pillows and toys.

Parents who Share a Bed with their Baby Dramatically Increase SID Risk

Parents who Share a Bed with their Baby Dramatically Increase SID Risk: Findings revealed that close to 69 percent of the infants from the sample who died were sharing a bed with an adult. Study results also showed that deaths of close to 73.8 percent of younger infants below the age of four mounts were due to bed-sharing.

Researchers said more attention regarding the risks of bed-sharing should be discussed among parents with infants three months or younger. According to Dr. Jeffrey Colvin of the university, parents should be warned about such sleeping areas for babies. If an infant rolls near a parent or objects where he or she is sleeping, the chances of suffocation dramatically increase.

Reading aloud to toddlers: how it helps your child's development

Reading aloud to toddlers: how it helps your child's development: Head Start may be too late. The iconic federal preschool program targets low-income kids between 3 and 5, but the brain forms critical language connections in its first thousand days, experts say.
That’s the message the American Academy of Pediatrics sent to doctors who care for low-income children in a recent policy statement. A child who is read aloud to and has a rich language environment enjoys distinct advantages, the report argues, which linger well into the school years.
A 2012 study, cited in the APP report, found that 60 percent of high-income children were read to daily, while only 34 percent of those well below the poverty line were read to.
“Children from low-income homes are much less likely to have a language rich environment,” said Dr. Pamela High, director of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. “They hear fewer words and they know fewer words at age 3 than their more advantaged peers.”
Those differences play out in vocabulary and reading ability, said High, the primary author of the APP statement.

said that autism spectrum disorder was now found in 1 in 68 children

said that autism spectrum disorder was now found in 1 in 68 children



Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that autism spectrum disorder was now found in 1 in 68 children, based on monitoring that the agency conducts in ten states.

The numbers marked an upward spike in autism prevalence: in 2008, the estimate was that approximately 1 in 88 children in the monitored states had been diagnosed with an ASD. In 2006 the ratio was 1 in 110, and in estimates for 2002 and 2000, it was 1 in 150. 

But are these numbers accurate? 

Developing 'domains' is key to helping a child

Developing 'domains' is key to helping a child: Nurturing, supporting and guiding children within the domains of early childhood development will greatly increase their chances of being ready.

What are the "domains" of early childhood development? How a child grows and learns developmentally in various aspects of their lives such as their language, physical abilities, cognitive skills and social/emotional competency are domains of early childhood development.

Report: Reading to young children benefits brain development

Report: Reading to young children benefits brain development: A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that reading daily to young children, starting in infancy, can help with language acquisition and literacy skills. But, the report says, many children are missing out. Jeffrey Brown takes a closer look at the consequences and opportunities to improve with lead author of the study, Dr. Pamela High of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

New Research Says Cool Kids Don’t Turn into Cool Adults - Health - Boston.com

New Research Says Cool Kids Don’t Turn into Cool Adults - Health - Boston.com: The study followed 184 13-year-old students of racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds at suburban and urban public schools in the southeastern United States over the course of ten years. The measure of “cool” was acquired after asking young subjects about their social, sexual, and romantic interactions, deviant/rebellious behavior, and their own interpretation of popularity among their peers. They then monitored the subjects’ social and professional relationships through the decade and found that “by 22, those once-cool teens were rated by their peers as being less competent in managing social relationships.”

Obesity May Be Higher in Children Whose Parents Divorce

Obesity May Be Higher in Children Whose Parents Divorce: Obesity levels may be higher amongst children whose parents are divorced according to a new study published this week in the BMJ Open. The study suggested that children of divorce were 60 percent more likely to be a weight which was considered obese than their peers whose parents are still together.

The research team, led by Anna Biehl, looked at 3166 third graders who participated in the Norwegian Child Growth Study in 2010. They took measurements of height, weight and waist circumference. They then took this data and compared it with the child’s gender group and the marital status of the child’s parents.

Experts say 'failure' critical to a child's development - KPTV - FOX 12

Experts say 'failure' critical to a child's development - KPTV - FOX 12: Rewarding every child that participates in competitions has become more and more common, but some experts say that may be doing more harm than good.









Rejection and disappointment were a part of life, but it's something more and more parents don't want their children to experience.

That's why many schools and youth sports teams embraced the "Every child gets a ribbon" policy. They said everybody wins. No one gets hurt.

"Confidence is something you can't give a kid," said parenting expert Malcolm Gauld. "They earn it and the great thing about once they earn it, you can never take it away from them. But you're never going to give it to them with a ribbon."

Gauld is the president of the Hyde School, a private high school with locations in Woodstock and in Maine. After 35 years of teaching, he had some strong opinions.

For one, he said parents need to think differently about "failure."

Old-time children’s games are best for a child’s development : Snoqualmie, WA – SnoValley Star – News, Sports, Classifieds

Old-time children’s games are best for a child’s development : Snoqualmie, WA – SnoValley Star – News, Sports, Classifieds: And the best way to develop executive function skills?

Through games such as Red Rover, Red Light-Green Light, and Simon Says — things most adults have played, she said, but have fallen out of style with the advent of electronic games.

10 compliments your husband needs to hear

10 compliments your husband needs to hear: The things we say have a big impact on our marriages. Men sometimes get the reputation for being the less communicative sex, but that doesn't mean they don't thrive on affirming words from their wives. Whether or not your husband is begging for verbal affection, here are ten compliments that your husband needs to hear.

Cochlear Implants Offer Hard-Of-Hearing Renewed Sense, But Sound Otherworldly To Everyone Else

Cochlear Implants Offer Hard-Of-Hearing Renewed Sense, But Sound Otherworldly To Everyone Else: The cochlear implant is perhaps the greatest contribution science has made to overcoming deafness in the 20th century. Its introduction gave a soundtrack to people’s lives: the clanging of dinner forks, the hum of evening traffic, a baby’s cry. Now researchers have provided the reverse perspective, as the hearing-capable can find out what a cochlear implant sounds like to a deaf person.

Cochlear implants for children may increase risk of cognitive delays | Fox News

Cochlear implants for children may increase risk of cognitive delays | Fox News: Children with cochlear implants may experience cognitive delays, compared to those with normal hearing, according to Science World Report.

In a new study at Indiana University, researchers found the hearing devices put children at risk for problems with executive functioning – such as conceptual learning, working memory and controlled attention.

How children’s brains develop – new insights | UNICEF Connect - UNICEF BLOG

How children’s brains develop – new insights | UNICEF Connect - UNICEF BLOG: On April 16th, a remarkable, and probably the first-of-its-kind meeting took place at UNICEF New York. Sixteen (no coincidence with the date) neuroscientists discussed and debated the influence of early experience on brain development and function. These scientists, who represent the super specialized fields of neuroscience, biology, epigenetics, psychiatry, nutrition, chemistry and child development, provided answers and insights into why early childhood development is so important for individual and societal development, and how this science could influence UNICEF’s approach to achieve results for children.

More Evidence Ties Poor Sleep to Obesity in Kids

More Evidence Ties Poor Sleep to Obesity in Kids: Young children who get too little sleep are more likely than others to be obese by age 7, according to a new study.

Previous research has suggested insufficient sleep before age 4 raised the risk of obesity. But the new study, published online May 19 in Pediatrics, observed the link from infancy to mid-childhood.

Experts say 'failure' critical to a child's development - WFSB 3 Connecticut

Experts say 'failure' critical to a child's development - WFSB 3 Connecticut: Rewarding every child that participates in competitions has become more and more common, but some experts say that may be doing more harm than good.









Rejection and disappointment were a part of life, but it's something more and more parents don't want their children to experience.

That's why many schools and youth sports teams embraced the "Every child gets a ribbon" policy. They said everybody wins. No one gets hurt.

"Confidence is something you can't give a kid," said parenting expert Malcolm Gauld. "They earn it and the great thing about once they earn it, you can never take it away from them. But you're never going to give it to them with a ribbon."

Higher Doses of Antidepressants Linked to Suicidal Behavior in Young Patients: Study - US News

Higher Doses of Antidepressants Linked to Suicidal Behavior in Young Patients: Study - US News: When prescribing antidepressants for teens and young adults, doctors should not start with high doses of the drugs because it might raise the risk of suicidal behavior, new research suggests.

The study, which was published online April 28 in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, found that younger patients who began treatment with higher-than-recommended doses of antidepressants were more than twice as likely to try to harm themselves as those who were initially treated with the same drugs at lower, recommended doses.

Report: Antibiotics are losing effectiveness worldwide - Newsday

Report: Antibiotics are losing effectiveness worldwide - Newsday

Marijuana may cause heart problems in young adults

Journal of the American Heart Association



Young adults who smoke marijuana may be at risk for serious or even fatal heart problems, according to a study by French researchers.

The findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association raises new concerns about the safety of marijuana, just as many parts of the world are relaxing laws on its use and medicinal marijuana is gaining popularity for treating certain health conditions.

http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2014/04/24/3991791.htm

Pot Smoking May Pose Heart Dangers, Study Suggests

Pot Smoking May Pose Heart Dangers, Study Suggests: Marijuana use might contribute to heart and artery disease among young and middle-aged adults, particularly those already at risk for cardiovascular problems, a small French study reports.

By reviewing reported cases of marijuana abuse in France between 2006 and 2010, researchers identified 35 users who suffered heart disease -- including 20 heart attacks and nine deaths.

CDC: Childhood vaccines prevent 322 million illnesses | Modern Healthcare

CDC: Childhood vaccines prevent 322 million illnesses | Modern Healthcare: An estimated 322 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations and 732,000 deaths will be prevented thanks to routine childhood vaccinations, according to new statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Thursday.

Unvaccinated infants fueling disease epidemics, researchers say | Fox News

Unvaccinated infants fueling disease epidemics, researchers say | Fox News: Epidemics of the measles virus still pose a threat to children worldwide – but due to the recent anti-vaccine movement, the virus is making a comeback in the United States as well.






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As a result, a husband-and-wife research team from the University of Michigan is strategizing ways to improve vaccination campaign strategies – and they believe one interesting set of data could help: seasonal birth rates.

Unvaccinated infants fueling disease epidemics, researchers say | Fox News

Unvaccinated infants fueling disease epidemics, researchers say | Fox News: Epidemics of the measles virus still pose a threat to children worldwide – but due to the recent anti-vaccine movement, the virus is making a comeback in the United States as well.






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As a result, a husband-and-wife research team from the University of Michigan is strategizing ways to improve vaccination campaign strategies – and they believe one interesting set of data could help: seasonal birth rates.

Measles outbreak puts spotlight on vaccine-preventable diseases | Windsor Star

Measles outbreak puts spotlight on vaccine-preventable diseases | Windsor Star: Today, around the world, slightly more than 80 per cent of all children get basic life-saving vaccines preventing millions of deaths a year and giving many of them the chance to achieve their fullest potential.

However, roughly 22 million of the poorest children in the most remote areas are not reached. And, as in Canada, when a few are not vaccinated, disease spreads.

Benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh challenges | Tallahassee Democrat | tallahassee.com

Benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh challenges | Tallahassee Democrat | tallahassee.com: Breastfeeding decreases the chances of babies getting Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, diabetes and allergies, according to Dr. Tanya Evers, board certified doctor of obstetrics and gynecology at Tallahassee Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program. Also according to Evers, breastfeeding helps decrease the chances of mothers developing breast and ovarian cancer, postpartum obesity and bone health.

Young Dads at Risk of Depressive Symptoms, Study Finds

Young Dads at Risk of Depressive Symptoms, Study Finds: Young fathers may be at increased risk of depression symptoms after their baby arrives, all the way through to the child's kindergarten, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that for men who become fathers in their 20s and live with their children, depression symptoms tend to rise during the first five years of the child's life.

Too much TV tied to less sleep in kids - National Children's Health | Examiner.com

Too much TV tied to less sleep in kids - National Children's Health | Examiner.com: New research confirms the findings from earlier studies on television viewing and its impact on children’s sleep. According to a study published in the April 14 online Pediatrics, there is a consistent association between kids’ increased TV viewing and shorter sleep duration.

NewsRoomAmerica.com - Study Supports Detrimental Effects Of Television Viewing On Young Childrens Sleep

NewsRoomAmerica.com - Study Supports Detrimental Effects Of Television Viewing On Young Childrens Sleep: A study following more than 1,800 children from ages 6 months to nearly 8 years found a small but consistent association between increased television viewing and shorter sleep duration.

The presence of a television in the room where a child sleeps also was associated with less sleep, particularly in minority children.

Investigators from MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) and Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) report their results – the first to examine the connection between television and sleep duration over several years – in the May issue of Pediatrics.

How owning a dog can improve your health | Fox News

How owning a dog can improve your health | Fox News: Simply put, having a dog changes your life. These furry co-dependents fill our lives with meaning, and can teach us about love, loyalty and companionship. Despite their sometimes frenetic nature, dogs have a particular serenity about them. They are keenly in tune with human emotion at times of loss, strife, illness or other challenges, and may experience some of these same profound feelings themselves. Animal behaviorists note that dogs "mourn" in their own way, sleeping more, eating less and moving slower after long periods of time away from those they are bonded to, human or canine. And anyone lucky enough to love a dog can tell you about their profound ability not only to sympathize, but to help heal; it is no coincidence that dogs are brought into hospitals and rehabilitation centers to make people feel better, physically and spiritually.

Obesity Linked to Increased Odds of Losing Baby, Study Finds - Health News and Views - Health.com

Obesity Linked to Increased Odds of Losing Baby, Study Finds - Health News and Views - Health.com: Women who are overweight or obese when they get pregnant may be at increased risk for miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death, researchers say.

The danger is greatest for severely obese women, who appear to have about double or triple the risk of losing their baby, although that risk is still small, the study authors noted.

The findings, based on a review of previously published studies, underscore the need for women who plan pregnancy to try to maintain a healthy weight, the researchers suggested.

Why Pregnant Women Shouldn’t Gain Too Much or Too Little Weight

Why Pregnant Women Shouldn’t Gain Too Much or Too Little Weight: The researchers studied 4,145 women, who filled out a health survey while they were pregnant, between 2007 and 2009, and then subsequently gave birth.

For obese women (BMI of 30 or greater), the recommended weight gain during pregnancy is 11 to 20 pounds; for overweight women (BMI between 25 and 29), it is 15 to 25 pounds; for normal weight women (BMI between 18.5 and 25), it is 25 to 35 pounds; and for underweight women (BMI less than 18.5), it is 28 to 40 pounds.

Childhood overweight/obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) z-score of the 85th percentile or greater of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) child growth standards.

Casual marijuana use linked with brain abnormalities, study finds | Fox News

Casual marijuana use linked with brain abnormalities, study finds | Fox News: For the first time, researchers at Northwestern University have analyzed the relationship between casual use of marijuana and brain changes – and found that young adults who used cannabis just once or twice a week showed significant abnormalities in two important brain structures.






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The study’s findings, to be published Wednesday in the Journal of Neuroscience, are similar to those of past research linking chronic, long-term marijuana use with mental illness and changes in brain development.

Study Links Casual Marijuana Use to Changes in Brain - US News

Study Links Casual Marijuana Use to Changes in Brain - US News: Recreational pot use by a small group of young adults caused significant changes to the shape and density of both the nucleus accumbens, a region of the brain involved in reward and addiction, and the amygdala, which helps process emotion and form long-term memories, the study authors reported.

These changes show that pot users' brains adapt to even low-level marijuana exposure, potentially making a person more vulnerable to drug addiction or changing their thought processes and emotions in unknown ways, the researchers said.

Stay-at-Home Moms Rise in Reversal of Modern Family Trend (1) - Businessweek

Stay-at-Home Moms Rise in Reversal of Modern Family Trend (1) - Businessweek: The share of mothers with children under age 18 who don’twork “outside the home” rose to 29 percent in 2012, up from amodern-era low of 23 percent in 1999, according to a reportreleased today by the Pew Research Center.

The trend follows a decline in stay-at-home moms recordedin most years from 1970 to 1999, as more women entered theworkplace, spurred both by a sense of empowerment and familyfinancial demands.

13 rules for working out while pregnant | Fox News

13 rules for working out while pregnant | Fox News: Working out during pregnancy is not only beneficial for you (and baby!) now, the benefits pay off after you give birth, too. While The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends 30 minutes of exercise on most or all days of the week, that may not be the best for you. Your body is changing constantly, which means you have to reevaluate what’s safe and your effort level as your baby grows.

Here, find out the answers to your fitness questions so you stay safe as you work out.

In our opinion: A mom and a dad | Deseret News

In our opinion: A mom and a dad | Deseret News: “Research clearly demonstrates that family structure matters for children, and the family structure that helps children the most is a family structure headed by two biological parents in a low-conflict marriage,” wrote Kristen Anderson Moore, Susan Jekielek and Carol Emig in a research summary for ChildTrends. “(I)t is not simply the presence of two parents, as some have assumed, but the presence of two biological parents that seems to support children’s development.”

There is widespread agreement about this fact when looking at traditional marriage. Now, as courts, legislators and social scientists turn to the hotly contested issue of same-sex marriage, should this wealth of existing evidence about family structure be ignored? No. In fact, family structure research is more relevant than ever before.

Study: Married folks have fewer heart problems - SFGate

Study: Married folks have fewer heart problems - SFGate: —Married people had a 5 percent lower risk of any cardiovascular disease compared to single people. Widowed people had a 3 percent greater risk of it and divorced people, a 5 percent greater risk, compared to married folks.

—Marriage seemed to do the most good for those under age 50; they had a 12 percent lower risk of heart-related disease than single people their age.

—Smoking, a major heart risk, was highest among divorced people and lowest in widowed ones. Obesity was most common in those single and divorced. Widowed people had the highest rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and inadequate exercise.

How raising kids within routines boosts social and emotional health | Deseret News

How raising kids within routines boosts social and emotional health | Deseret News: A study just published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics shows that certain routines also enhance the social and emotional health of young children. Children who sing, play, read, tell stories and have dinner with their families are twice as likely to have good social-emotional health (SEH), and for every routine a parent and child do together, the social-emotional benefit grows.

The measure of SEH used by researchers from The Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University is based on a child's ability to understand emotions, empathize, show self-control and form positive relationships, both with other kids and with adults.

Cuddlers soothe babies too sick, tiny to go home - Newsday

Cuddlers soothe babies too sick, tiny to go home - Newsday: CHICAGO - A volunteer slips her arms into a gauzy yellow hospital gown and approaches a medical crib holding a tiny newborn hooked up to noisy machines.

"OK," she says, with a smile. "Baby time."

That means cuddle time in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital. Here, as at several other hospitals around the country, strangers offer a simple yet powerful service for newborns too tiny or sick to go home

Smartphone not so smart for parenting | WPRI 12

The Buzz: Smartphone not so smart for parenting | WPRI 12: A new study reveals that smartphones may not be such a “smart” choice when it comes to parenting. This study observed parents in several different fast food restaurants. And the people who were engrossed in their smartphones responded less, and more harshly than those who used their phone only for phone calls.

9 Parenting Steps That Foster Growth, Confidence And Leadership In Kids

9 Parenting Steps That Foster Growth, Confidence And Leadership In Kids: In January, I published a parenting post featuring Dr. Tim Elmore’s great insights on the 7 crippling parenting behaviors that keep children from growing into leaders. With more than 5.7 million views and growing, we know this piece struck a powerful chord among parents across the globe. Both Tim and I received hundreds of comments, emails, and questions from parents of all walks of life, asking how to apply these ideas into practice. Some parents disagreed, and also challenged our concept of “leadership” and asked, “Can’t we just let our children be who they are rather than make them into leaders?” (Great question.)

From my perspective, the goal is not to “force” our children to be anything they’re not, but instead, to foster, encourage and support them to be all they dream to be in the world. To do that, we need to understand some fundamentals about parenting behaviors that encourage growth, confidence and self-reliance, versus actions that stifle independence and critical thinking.

Prenatal vitamins: How to choose the best for your pregnancy | Fox News

Prenatal vitamins: How to choose the best for your pregnancy | Fox News: It can be hard to eat healthy when you’re dealing with morning sickness and pregnancy cravings, but prenatal vitamins aren’t meant to make up for unhealthy food choices.

“This should complement a healthy diet,” Dr. Mary Rosser, an assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology and women's health at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City said. “It’s really not a substitute for anything.”

Higher risk of suicide and autism in children born to older dads - Medical News Today

Higher risk of suicide and autism in children born to older dads - Medical News Today: More recent genetic studies have claimed that the age of the father at conception is linked to the likelihood of "de novo mutations" developing in their children. De novo mutations are when a gene becomes present in a family for the first time as the result of a mutation in the egg or sperm from one of the parents.

These de novo mutations have also been linked to ASDs. Medical News Today reported on one genetic study that found this in 2012.

Proactive parenting can lead to improve sleep for children | MyCentralJersey.com | mycentraljersey.com

Proactive parenting can lead to improve sleep for children | MyCentralJersey.com | mycentraljersey.com: Coinciding with Daylight Saving Time, this week Americans are presented with National Sleep Awareness Week, an annual public education and awareness program created by The National Sleep Foundation (NSF), which runs from March 2 to 9. The annual campaign creates the perfect opportunity for individuals to educate themselves on the importance of sleep and how it affects their overall well-being.

Fast Food Not The Biggest Cause Of Rising Childhood Obesity

Fast Food Not The Biggest Cause Of Rising Childhood Obesity: If you work in politics or culture, you are probably quick to attribute fast-food consumption as the major factor causing rapid increases in childhood obesity. Scholars the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill report that fast-food consumption is simply a byproduct of a much bigger problem: poor all-day-long dietary habits that originate in children's homes.

Childhood Obesity And Weight Gain Linked To Bedroom TVs - Health News - redOrbit

Childhood Obesity And Weight Gain Linked To Bedroom TVs - Health News - redOrbit: According to a study published on Monday in JAMA Pediatrics, children between the ages of 10 and 14 who had a TV in their bedroom weighed around one pound more than their peers without a bedroom TV. The study found that the additional weight was unrelated to how much TV kids watched in their bedrooms.

The study included over 3,000 children that researchers tracked over a four-year period. The children’s body mass index, which is based in their height and weight, was determined at the outset, two-year mark and four-year mark. Researchers also conducted telephone interviews with parents to determine kids’ TV and video game habits.

Musical instruments linked to child development - The Nation

Musical instruments linked to child development - The Nation: Tepika Rodsakan, a lecturer at Faculty of Fine Arts' Music Department, is doing a PhD degree at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts. The research funding was from the National Research Council of Thailand.

Tepika said the inspiration for her novel approach to learning came from organising activities for special needs children at Panya Wuthikorn School.

During the activities, she found the children had limited knowledge of how to use Thai and foreign musical instruments and that they were too big.

Tepika tried to get the kids play normal instruments like the flute, but they had trouble playing them as the instruments have seven finger holes.

Digital parenting: how to monitor your child in the cyber world | Fox 59 News – fox59.com#axzz2v6fncMlY#axzz2v6fncMlY#axzz2v6fncMlY#axzz2v6fncMlY#axzz2v6fncMlY#axzz2v6fncMlY

Digital parenting: how to monitor your child in the cyber world | Fox 59 News – fox59.com#axzz2v6fncMlY#axzz2v6fncMlY#axzz2v6fncMlY#axzz2v6fncMlY#axzz2v6fncMlY#axzz2v6fncMlY: Believe it or not, social media websites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are old news now. Enter Snapchat, Kik, and MeetMe.

In a cyber world filled with millions of friends and followers, experts say it’s important for parents to stay connected and keep their kids safe online.

“When I grew up, it was the diaries. It was very private information, you didn’t do those things,” said Kelly Marshall, a parent. “This is a completely new culture.”

Current parenting styles make teachers’ job harder

Current parenting styles make teachers’ job harder: One of the most frustrating issues for classroom teachers continues to be the impossibility and inability to work with kids effectively because of some issues created by some parents in response to various aspects of our current culture. I actually believe this to be a societal issue, rather than an issue of bad parents or failure by schools and teachers. We teachers combated children’s sense of entitlement, their lack of respect for us and for learning, their “all about me” attitudes and behaviors, and — in some cases — an undivided focus on their grades as opposed to their achievement and learning. These frustrations would constitute “the tip of the iceberg” of issues facing educators today.

Orphans' Lonely Beginnings Reveal How Parents Shape A Child's Brain | KUOW News and Information

Orphans' Lonely Beginnings Reveal How Parents Shape A Child's Brain | KUOW News and Information: More than a decade of research on children raised in institutions shows that "neglect is awful for the brain," says Charles Nelson, a professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital. Without someone who is a reliable source of attention, affection and stimulation, he says, "the wiring of the brain goes awry." The result can be long-term mental and emotional problems.

AFP: Anger outbursts linked to swift heart attacks, strokes

AFP: Anger outbursts linked to swift heart attacks, strokes: People who have outbursts of anger are at greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the two hours immediately after the episode, European researchers said Tuesday.

The study -- a big review of published papers -- is the first to give powerful statistical backing to suspicions that strong emotions can drive cardiac risk, although the underlying biological causes remain unclear.

In the two hours immediately after an angry outburst, an individual's risk of myocardial infarction or acute coronary syndrome rose nearly five-fold, to 4.7 percent, compared to times when the person was calm, the study found.

White noise machines may be hazardous to babies’ hearing: study - NY Daily News

White noise machines may be hazardous to babies’ hearing: study - NY Daily News: White noise machines may help babies sleep more soundly, but they may also damage their delicate ears, a group of researchers warned.

Some widely available brands of infant sleep machines — which, like ambient noise machines for adults, emit a variety of soothing sounds designed to block out external noise — are capable of playing at volumes that could impair an infant's hearing, according to a study published March 3 in the journal Pediatrics.

Children exposed to more brain-damaging chemicals than scientists thought — RT USA

Children exposed to more brain-damaging chemicals than scientists thought — RT USA: Back in 2006, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai pinpointed five industrial chemicals that they linked to brain disorders such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), reduced IQ, and more.

These chemicals were lead, methlymercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (a coolant fluid in motors), arsenic (found naturally and also in pesticides), and toluene (in paint thinner, nail polish, and more).

In a review of their 2006 study, though, the same scientists have now discovered brain development in children could be negatively disrupted by another six chemicals. These chemicals are: chlorpyrifos, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, fluoride, manganese, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, tetrachloroethylene.

New DNA test could revolutionize prenatal screening - CBS News

New DNA test could revolutionize prenatal screening - CBS News: A report in the New England Journal of Medicine Wednesday could revolutionize prenatal screening for Down Syndrome and other disorders.

When 29-year-old Jennifer Fontaine was pregnant last year, a standard blood screen suggested her baby had a severe genetic defect.

Acetaminophen use in pregnancy studied for ADHD risk - Health - CBC News

Acetaminophen use in pregnancy studied for ADHD risk - Health - CBC News: Taking acetaminophen during pregnancy is linked to a slightly higher risk of children being diagnosed with ADHD and behaviour problems, but it is still the pain reliever of choice when expecting, doctors say.

Acetaminophen, found in Tylenol and some cold medications, is the most commonly used medication for pain and fever during pregnancy. While it has no known links to birth defects, studies in humans and animals suggest it could affect hormones that are key to brain development.

11 Toxic Chemicals Affecting Brain Development In Children - Forbes

11 Toxic Chemicals Affecting Brain Development In Children - Forbes: The list of chemicals that can affect brain development in children has grown. In a study out today in The Lancet Neurology, researchers outline new chemicals that may be contributing to what they dub the “global, silent pandemic of neurodevelopmental toxicity.” In 2006, the team had released a list of five neurotoxins that may contribute to everything from cognitive deficits to attention problems. Now that list is expanded, based on new research that has since accumulated on chemicals linked to developmental disorders in children. Today, they outline six more.









(Note: Manganese is important for health.  It becomes toxic, like many things, only when it is consumed in excess)

Do Pets Help In Child Development? - Oneindia Boldsky

Do Pets Help In Child Development? - Oneindia Boldsky: Children love being in the company of pets. The innocence that they both share will complement each other for a better friendship. Having a pet is one of the best ideas to keep your kids engaged and active.

How will it be if you can develop the social skills of your kids by offering the friendship of a four legged friend? Having pets will help children improve their emotional, cognitive, social and behavioural development.

First biomarker could help boys at risk of major depression | Reuters

First biomarker could help boys at risk of major depression | Reuters: In a study in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science (PNAS) journal, the team found that teenage boys who have a combination of depressive symptoms and raised levels of the stress hormone cortisol are up to 14 times more likely to develop major depression than those who show neither trait.

Warning sign for depression in teen boys found - The Times of India

Warning sign for depression in teen boys found - The Times of India: The researchers now hope that having an easily measurable biomarker - in this case, elevated cortisol plus depressive symptoms - will enable primary care services to identify boys at high risk and consider new public mental health strategies for them in the community. Cambridge University professor Ian Goodyer, who led the study, said depression is a terrible illness that will affect as many as 10 million people in the UK at some point in their lives.

Pornography addiction doesn't exist, research says, but that's not the whole story | Deseret News

Pornography addiction doesn't exist, research says, but that's not the whole story | Deseret News: Researchers, men, women and children have all shown pornography's addicting effects and the destruction it causes to lives and relationships.

A study by Cambridge University found that brain activities seen in alcoholics and drug abusers were similar to those found in compulsive pornography users, The Independent reported.

Sibling relationships tied to children’s vocabulary skills | Lifestyle | GMA News Online

Sibling relationships tied to children’s vocabulary skills | Lifestyle | GMA News Online: In large families, young kids can't always get a lot of individual attention from parents—but healthy interactions with an older sibling might help compensate for that, a new study suggests.

How older children interact with their siblings is tied to the younger children's development, Canadian researchers found.

"The idea is that here is this effect of being in a large family where you don't get that many resources, but if you get an older sibling that's really attuned to your needs that would be a modifying effect," Jennifer Jenkins told Reuters Health.

Rise in child injuries may be linked to distracted parenting | WJLA.com

Rise in child injuries may be linked to distracted parenting | WJLA.com: For many parents, it’s a technological tug-of-war a juggling act between their devices and their kids.

"It's a struggle. It's constantly dinging and going off, and you want to respond," says mother Jodi Whiteman.

Last July, she was caught between a stack of work emails on her device and her six-year-old daughter Lindsey, who wanted to play on the monkey bars in their backyard:

"I said, 'no, no, no, just one more minute,' and she kept saying, 'but I want to go -- c'mon mom, c'mon mom.' And I said, 'you know what, just go."

Obesity in Childhood Linked to Poor Parenting?

Obesity in Childhood Linked to Poor Parenting?: A study at the University of Illinois concluded that there may be a link between poor parenting and high childhood obesity risks. Researchers found what they call “insecure parents” as possibly being one of the main causes in increasing a child’s desire to consume junk food.

Study finds obesity during pregnancy is risk factor for long-term cardiovascular morbidity

Study finds obesity during pregnancy is risk factor for long-term cardiovascular morbidity: In a study to be presented on Feb. 7 at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting, The Pregnancy Meeting, in New Orleans, researchers will report that obesity during pregnancy is an independent risk factor for long-term cardiovascular morbidity, and these complications tend to occur at a younger age. Researchers concluded that obese pregnant patients might benefit from cardiovascular risk screening that could lead to early detection and secondary prevention of cardiovascular morbidity.

Breastfeeding protects children against obesity

Health News - Breastfeeding protects children against obesity: The gut flora of children who are wholly or partly breastfed helps protect them against developing obesity, reveals research at the Sahlgrenska Academy.

Doctoral student Josefine Roswall and her research colleagues from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg are trying to identify early risk factors for obesity and to study in detail the role of diet in the development of preschool obesity.

Diabetes and Pregnancy are a Dangerous Mix | Diabetes Testing is Critical for Mothers | LiveScience

Diabetes and Pregnancy are a Dangerous Mix | Diabetes Testing is Critical for Mothers | LiveScience: Recently, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force published recommendations in the Annals of Internal Medicine — a widely-respected, peer-reviewed journal — that strongly advise all pregnant women be screened for gestational diabetes, a test which many physicians (including those at the North Shore-LIJ Health System) routinely perform.

Reading crucial to child’s development | Lincoln Times-News

Reading crucial to child’s development | Lincoln Times-News: Fewer than half of young children in the United States are read to daily. In most states, minority and low-income children are less likely to be read to every day. As a result, many children from low-income families enter kindergarten with a listening vocabulary of 3,000 words while many children of middle/upper income families enter with a listening vocabulary of 20,000 words.

Fish oils linked to brain health

Fish oils linked to brain health: New research suggests that fish oil helps with brain development, not just at childhood but through adult life. The latest study charts improvements in the brain function of post-menopausal women.

Good Parenting Heals Your Child's Brain | hitched

Good Parenting Heals Your Child's Brain | hitched: Scientists have known for a long time that low-income children have smaller brains than their more economically secure peers. They’ve suspected that limited access to health care is at least partially responsible. But according to new research, the culprit may actually be excess stress that interferes with immune system function, damages cells and DNA, and causes inflammation (which, generally speaking, is never a good thing).

Cannabis during pregnancy endangers fetal brain development | Science Codex

Cannabis during pregnancy endangers fetal brain development | Science Codex: An increasing number of children suffer from the consequences of maternal drug exposure during pregnancy, and Cannabis is one of the most frequently used substances. This motivated the study, published in the EMBO Journal, cunducted in mice and human brain tissue, to decipher the molecular basis of how the major psychoactive component from Cannabis called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC affects brain development of the unborn foetus.

Maternal obesity can cause problems later in baby's life | members.jacksonville.com

Maternal obesity can cause problems later in baby's life | members.jacksonville.com: Every pregnant mom and expectant dad wants a healthy baby that grows into a strong, healthy adult. By far, most moms give up smoking and drinking for just this reason. A daily prenatal vitamin, frequent prenatal visits to the doctor, regular exercise and diet count as well.

But new research shows there may be another critical factor that counts, too — maternal obesity. Here’s the story.

Sibling relationships may influence younger child's development, study says | Fox News

Sibling relationships may influence younger child's development, study says | Fox News: In large families, young kids can't always get a lot of individual attention from parents - but healthy interactions with an older sibling might help compensate for that, a new study suggests.

How older children interact with their siblings is tied to the younger children's development, Canadian researchers found.

Lack of play hurting child development, especially in poor countries | News.com.au

Lack of play hurting child development, especially in poor countries | News.com.au: FIVE-year-old Hennock loves to run and has dreams of being a helicopter pilot. And despite living in one of the poorest countries on earth, he's got one advantage over many kids in similar situations.

He has time to run and play outside.

A lack of quality time and space for children to be able to play is severely impacting their development, according to international aid agency Plan Australia.

The situation is made worse in the developing world through war, poverty and natural disasters.

It's not the fast food making our kids fat (hint: it's the rest of their diet) - latimes.com#axzz2r31uP359#axzz2r31uP359#axzz2r31uP359

It's not the fast food making our kids fat (hint: it's the rest of their diet) - latimes.com#axzz2r31uP359#axzz2r31uP359#axzz2r31uP359: Imagine for a moment that all of the nation's fast-food establishments--all the striped awnings and golden arches, the drive-thru windows, the beckoning dollar deals and wafting odor of French fries--were to vanish overnight. Would the number of our kids who carry an unhealthful amount of extra weight plummet?

Even baby's 'fake' crying builds relationship with mom | Fox News

Even baby's 'fake' crying builds relationship with mom | Fox News: The children were nearly always unhappy just before they started crying, and after crying stopped. But in one instance, an 11-month-old infant showed positive emotions in the last few seconds before crying which occurred when the mother moved away during playtime and smiled again soon after the mother returned. [11 Facts Every Parent Should Know About Their Baby's Brain]

Genetic brain development 'peaks before birth and in adolescence' - Medical News Today

Genetic brain development 'peaks before birth and in adolescence' - Medical News Today: Genetic expression behind the development of our brains is most active before birth, in the early months of pregnancy, and during our teenage years, scientists have found.

There is a quieter intervening "movement" in the three-part "symphony" of human brain development, but one that is more sensitive to environmental factors, say the researchers publishing in the journal Neuron.

Higher Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy Linked To Stronger Babies : News : Headlines & Global News

Higher Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy Linked To Stronger Babies : News : Headlines & Global News: new study found that babies can be born with stronger muscles if their mothers have higher levels of vitamin D while pregnant, according to University of Southampton researchers.


Though many studies have linked low levels of Vitamin D to reduced muscle strength, this is one of the few studies that looks into how a mother's level of vitamin D while pregnant affects the new-born child, according to a press release.

Good night's sleep good for brain health - Medical News Today

Good night's sleep good for brain health - Medical News Today: A good night's sleep may be essential to brain health, say Swedish researchers who found depriving healthy young men of a night's sleep increased blood concentrations of brain molecules to levels seen in brain damage.