Children who are breast fed during early life generally have high IQ levels, according to a latest research study. Researchers conducted studies on 14,000 babies by dividing them into two groups based on their breast feeding habits. They tracked these babies for the next 6 years to find their intelligence levels. Children in the first group (Breast fed babies) have 5 points higher IQ levels and performing better in academic exams. This research study was published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. In the study, children who are breast fed for longer duration (more than 5 months) performed better in the intelligence tests than those children who breast fed for shorter duration. According to WHO (World Health Organisation) guidelines, babies should receive only breast milk during their first six months of life. But many mothers are not stopping breast feeding their babies after 3-4 months due to modern work life, lack of awareness and cosmetic purposes (rich mothers). Smartness of a baby is directly related to how much duration a mother breastfed their baby. So mothers should know that their babies’ intelligence is in your hands. Nutrients in breast milk (Omega fatty acids) will enhance babies’ intelligence levels and reduce health problems in childhood. Cholesterol in the breast milk is good for child’s brain. Breast feeding reduces future risk of developing diabetes and hypertension and reduces infections and digestive problems in the childhood. Note: Organisations should allow mothers to take maternity leave for 6 months. … [Read more...]
Pre term babies are at more risk in later life
Children who are born before term have higher death rates in childhood and are either childless or give birth to pre term babies in adult life. Scientists conducted studies on the health records of 1.2 million babies born in Norway from 1967 to 1988. This research study was conducted by Journal of the American Medical Association. Death rates in preterm babies are high not only in the first year but also in later age. Image courtesy: Society for the protection of unborn children. Preterm babies were known to have higher incidence of lung problems, disabilities, blindness and mental retardation. Milestones are delayed in these babies. Preterm birth is the major cause of infant mortality and delay in milestones. This research is significant as it is focused on their health effects in later life. Percentage of preterm babies is on rise due to advances in medical care and late marriages. Babies born before term are at high risk as their organs have insufficient time to develop fully. They are 10 times more likely die before the age of six years. Preterm babies are those who are born before 37 week of pregnancy. Babies born between 28-32 weeks have lower death rates than those born between 22-27 weeks. Boys who are born before term are 76% less likely to reproduce in adulthood. Preterm girls are 67% less likely reproduce and are at increased risk of giving birth to pre term babies. So, doctors should try to avoid preterm baby births and women should try to avoid late marriages. Pregnant women should use any drug with Doctor's prescription. … [Read more...]
Second hand smoke damages heart of toddlers
Second hand damages toddler’s blood vessels than normal children. Toddlers absorb 6 times more nicotine than children from second hand smoke. Researchers conducted experiments on the hair samples and blood tests in 128 children aged 2 to 13 years to know the effects of second hand smoke. The results of the study were presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association. Research was done by doctors at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio. In the study, kids aged 2-5 years had more damage to blood vessels than those aged 9-14 years due to more nicotine absorption from second hand smoke. They absorb more smoke due to their rapid breathing and more damage is due to tender vessels. Exposure to smoke damages the inner lining of the heart and blood vessels. There is a dramatic increase in Intracellular Adhesion molecules (ICAM) which are markers for atherosclerosis. Second hand smoke severely affects lungs and blood vessels of toddlers. So parents should stop smoking at home in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases in the children. Advice to parents: Smoking is injurious to your toddler’s health. … [Read more...]
UNICEF – Child deaths are declining
Childhood deaths are declining around the world due to good drugs, rising health awareness, good diet, increased breast feeding and greater use of vaccines. The number of children dying has fallen below 10 million a year for the first time since records began in 1960. Global child death deaths fall from 13 million in 1990 to 9.7 million in 2005. 20 million children died in 1960. If babies were still dying at 1960 rates, 25 million would die this year. UNICEF data is based on the government surveys in more than 50 countries. Controlling Malaria and Measles played important role in declining in child deaths. Spread of AIDS is the major worrying factor especially in Africa and India. More children are dying in rural areas and poor households of the developing world. UNICEF's data is based on government-conducted surveys in more than 50 countries from 2005 to 2006. United Nations set the millennium goal in 1990 to cut the infant mortality by two-thirds by 2015. The most important advances, according to UNICEF: 1. Vaccination drives cutting measles deaths by 60% since 1999. 2. Women breastfeeding rather than using dirty water. 3. Babies sleeping under mosquito nets. 4. Babies getting vitamin A drops which reduce the risk of measles, diarrhoea and malaria. Of the 9.7 million children who die each year, 3.1 million are from south Asia, and 4.8 million are from sub-Saharan Africa. West and central Africa have the highest rates of child mortality, with more than 150 deaths per every 1,000 children under five, which compares to six per 1,000 in North America, Western Europe and Japan. India and China have shown large improvements, whereas the situation has worsened in southern African countries hit by Aids, and … [Read more...]
FDA: Kids should not use OTC drugs without prescription
Kids should not take common cold and cough medicines without doctor advice. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave this preliminary recommendation on use of antihistamines in those younger than 6 and decongestant in children younger than 2. FDA reviewed 800 most commonly used medicines whether their use is safe and effective in children. FDA took up this review in response to a petition by Baltimore officials against the usage of OTC (Over the Counter) drugs without physician advice. Pharma companies are aggressively marketing these medicines with delicious fruity flavors mainly targeting kids. Parents are carelessly using these over the counter drugs for cough and cold without doctor advice. Pharma companies should not use kids in their TV advertisements for these medicines. “Consult with doctor” label is not enough for these most popular drugs which are causing deaths. Hydrocodone, a common ingredient in these medicines, is highly addictive and can cause death if not used properly. Hydrocodone overdose can cause breathing problems or cardiac arrest and impair motor skills and judgment. Hydrocodone is genarally used to treat pain and suppress cough. FDA would recommend no level of dosage for children under the age of 2 due to lack of efficacy and safety concerns. FDA found 54 reported deaths from decongestants and 69 deaths from antihistamines in children under the age of 2. FDA ordered companies marketing unapproved Hydrocodone products to stop manufacturing them by October 31, 2007. Cold takes a week to get over whether you take medicine or not. I can’t understand why parents use OTC drugs for cold? It is just a marketing gimmick by Pharma companies. FDA will give its … [Read more...]
