The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released it's findings yesterday in the first national report to include breastfeeding practices in hospitals. The results had some surprising statistics. The CDC found that one in four medical centers gave healthy newborns formula or supplements even when their mothers were willing and able to breast-feed.
They looked at 2,700 birth facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and rated them based on labor and delivery, breastfeeding assistance, mother-newborn contact, postpartum feeding, breastfeeding support after hospital discharge, nurse/birth attendant breastfeeding training and education, and structural and organizational quality.
Western and New England states performed the best. Vermont and New Hampshire tied for the highest scores, followed by Maine and Oregon. The lowest scores were seen in 7 southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and West Virginia.
What to do if you are looking to breastfeed your infant:
- Ask beforehand if lactation consultants are available at the hospital you plan on delivering at
- Let your doctor and the nurses on call know that you want to breastfeed and ask that they not give your child any formula or supplements
- If lactation consultants aren't available at the hospital, try La Leche League staff or a doula
- Look for breastfeeding classes in the area to take before birth
- Remember that breastfeeding isn't easy off the bat and may take some time and practice. Be patient, stay motivated and get the help you need.
Showing posts with label studies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label studies. Show all posts
Friday, June 13, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Breastmilk good, Iron Supplements bad?
In headlines this week we learn something that many of us already knew- breastmilk boosts intelligence, and something that we have not known: iron Supplements might harm infants who already get enough.
The breastmilk study, while not the first of its kind, claims to be "the most blatant evidence to date that prolonged and exclusive breast-feeding makes children more intelligent,". The study came out of Canada's McGill Univeristy and is the largest study ever conducted on a random sample- looking at 14,000 children over six and a half years.
The studies author notes that they can't guaruntee its the breastmilk itself, as oppose to the physical nature of breastfeeding, "As for me, I prefer to think that the physical or emotional contact between the mother and the child is what counts, because it takes more time to nurse a baby than to offer him a bottle of milk".
Meanwhile, at the University of Michigan, researchers found that extra iron for infants who don't need it might delay development. This has a huge impact on those who use formula with extra iron added. The study looked at nearly 500 infants. Those that were adversely affected by the extra iron scored 11 points lower in IQ and 12 points lower in visual-motor integration, as well as lower on spatial memory and other visual-motor measures.
The breastmilk study, while not the first of its kind, claims to be "the most blatant evidence to date that prolonged and exclusive breast-feeding makes children more intelligent,". The study came out of Canada's McGill Univeristy and is the largest study ever conducted on a random sample- looking at 14,000 children over six and a half years.
The studies author notes that they can't guaruntee its the breastmilk itself, as oppose to the physical nature of breastfeeding, "As for me, I prefer to think that the physical or emotional contact between the mother and the child is what counts, because it takes more time to nurse a baby than to offer him a bottle of milk".
Meanwhile, at the University of Michigan, researchers found that extra iron for infants who don't need it might delay development. This has a huge impact on those who use formula with extra iron added. The study looked at nearly 500 infants. Those that were adversely affected by the extra iron scored 11 points lower in IQ and 12 points lower in visual-motor integration, as well as lower on spatial memory and other visual-motor measures.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Hush Little Baby, Get Your Rest!
A new study out finds a connection between quantity of infant sleep and likelihood of being obese at age three. While many studies have confirmed the link of lack of sleep and lbs gained in adults, this is the first study to link the two in infants.
The study came out today in The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Researchers report that infants who got less than 12 hours of sleep had a doubled increase of being obese at age three, and the effect was even stronger in infants who watched two or more hours of television daily. The researches took into account birth weight, the mother’s age and body mass, breast feeding duration and other variables.
So what can you do? Many experts agree on the following:
1. No TV in the bedroom
2. Establish a good nighttime routine (bottle, book, bed)
3. Have a consistent schedule and bedtime
4. White noise such as a fan, humidifier may help
Remember that babies sleep habits are determined more by individual temperment and you can' t always get them to sleep when and as long as you'd like. Technically 'sleeping through the night' is 5 hours of continuous sleep, so if they are getting naps, they can easily reach the 12 hour mark.
The study came out today in The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Researchers report that infants who got less than 12 hours of sleep had a doubled increase of being obese at age three, and the effect was even stronger in infants who watched two or more hours of television daily. The researches took into account birth weight, the mother’s age and body mass, breast feeding duration and other variables.
So what can you do? Many experts agree on the following:
1. No TV in the bedroom
2. Establish a good nighttime routine (bottle, book, bed)
3. Have a consistent schedule and bedtime
4. White noise such as a fan, humidifier may help
Remember that babies sleep habits are determined more by individual temperment and you can' t always get them to sleep when and as long as you'd like. Technically 'sleeping through the night' is 5 hours of continuous sleep, so if they are getting naps, they can easily reach the 12 hour mark.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Asthma in Children and Spring Cleaning
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal reports a link between wheezing and asthma in young children, and their mothers' use of cleaning products such as bleach and air freshener during pregnancy.
The study looked at 14,541 pregnant women and a large variety of lifestyle habits, including the use of household cleaners. Mothers that used bleach, air fresheners and other products during pregnancy and just after birth increased the risk of their child developing persistent wheezing by the age of seven by up to 41%. Authors have taken into account some other factors that lead to asthma such as heredity, environmental factors, animal allergies, pollen, dust mites and acknowledge that this study is only preliminary and more research needs to be done.
A study in New Scientist in 1999 reported that 'in homes where aerosol sprays and air fresheners were used frequently, mothers experienced 25 percent more headaches and were 19 percent more likely to suffer from depression, and infants under six months of age had 30 percent more ear infections and 22 percent higher incidence of diarrhea'.
For for your spring cleaning this year, try these alternatives:
The study looked at 14,541 pregnant women and a large variety of lifestyle habits, including the use of household cleaners. Mothers that used bleach, air fresheners and other products during pregnancy and just after birth increased the risk of their child developing persistent wheezing by the age of seven by up to 41%. Authors have taken into account some other factors that lead to asthma such as heredity, environmental factors, animal allergies, pollen, dust mites and acknowledge that this study is only preliminary and more research needs to be done.
A study in New Scientist in 1999 reported that 'in homes where aerosol sprays and air fresheners were used frequently, mothers experienced 25 percent more headaches and were 19 percent more likely to suffer from depression, and infants under six months of age had 30 percent more ear infections and 22 percent higher incidence of diarrhea'.
For for your spring cleaning this year, try these alternatives:
- Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
- Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates and that are labeled "antibacterial"- soap by nature is antibacterial and doesn't needed anything added!
- Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
- Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
- White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
- Kosher Salt and Water- If you need a tougher abrasive on sinks and cast iron pans, sprinkle on kosher salt, and scrub with a wet cloth or sponge.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
New Findings on Twin's DNA
New research expands on the idea that identical twins DNA is not the clone copy we once thought it was. In 2005 found that identical twins differ in how their genes express themselves, now scientists are reporting findings that suggest all identical twins differ genetically from their partners to some degree.
The study found that while twins have identical genomes (the entire hereditary key including both the genes and the non-coding sequences of the DNA) , they often differed in the number of copies of individual gene segments. One twin might be missing a segment, or possess more copies of that segment than the other twin. This would explain why one identical twin can suffer from a disorder while the other remains healthy.
Fun Fact: Identical twins don't have the same fingerprints because genes don't determine fingerprints. They come about by random stresses experienced in the womb- even a small different umbilical cord length can change your finger print.
The study found that while twins have identical genomes (the entire hereditary key including both the genes and the non-coding sequences of the DNA) , they often differed in the number of copies of individual gene segments. One twin might be missing a segment, or possess more copies of that segment than the other twin. This would explain why one identical twin can suffer from a disorder while the other remains healthy.
Fun Fact: Identical twins don't have the same fingerprints because genes don't determine fingerprints. They come about by random stresses experienced in the womb- even a small different umbilical cord length can change your finger print.
Monday, January 21, 2008
New Caffeine Pregnancy Report
Currently the general recommendation for pregnant women is to keep their caffeine intake under 300 mg daily. But a new study published today in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, found that pregnant women who consume 200 milligrams or more of caffeine a day — the amount in 10 ounces of coffee or 25 ounces of tea — may double their risk of miscarriage. At the least, pregnant women give up caffeine for at least the first three or four months.
Don't fret too much is you still have the occasional coffee though, “Moderation in all things is still an excellent rule,” Dr. Westhoff said. “I think we tend to go overboard on saying expose your body to zero anything when pregnant. The human race wouldn’t have succeeded if the early pregnancy was so vulnerable to a little bit of anything. We’re more robust than that.”
Don't fret too much is you still have the occasional coffee though, “Moderation in all things is still an excellent rule,” Dr. Westhoff said. “I think we tend to go overboard on saying expose your body to zero anything when pregnant. The human race wouldn’t have succeeded if the early pregnancy was so vulnerable to a little bit of anything. We’re more robust than that.”
Thursday, January 3, 2008
New Approach to Autism Research
The University of Washington is looking for 200 local families to participate in a new study. The idea behind the research is to look at babies and treat babies before the symptoms even show up. 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism- usually around the age of two years. If an older sibling has Autism- the likelihood of being diagnosed jumps to 1 out of 20 children.
This study is "one of the nation's first studies on preventing autism in infants and will spend the next four years exploring the benefit of intensive and early therapy on the mysterious disorder" according to the SeattlePi.com. UW clinicians have seen more successful the earlier they have treated children and hope this study will help them understand why.
Parents interested in participating in the study can call the UW Autism Center at 800-994-9701 or check depts.washington.edu/uwautism.
This study is "one of the nation's first studies on preventing autism in infants and will spend the next four years exploring the benefit of intensive and early therapy on the mysterious disorder" according to the SeattlePi.com. UW clinicians have seen more successful the earlier they have treated children and hope this study will help them understand why.
Parents interested in participating in the study can call the UW Autism Center at 800-994-9701 or check depts.washington.edu/uwautism.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Anorexia Risk Determined In Utero?
Previous studies have shown that shared family environment has little effect on the development of anorexia, so researchers are now looking at shared intrauterine environment. A new study out this month from researchers in Sweden in The Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that female sex hormones exposure in the womb may have an affect on predisposition to anorexia.
The study looked at twins, same sex twins and opposite sex twins. Researchers observed 51 cases of anorexia among the female twins, 3 among the male twins and 36 among the opposite-sex pairs. What is interesting is that among the opposite-sex twins almost half the cases were in males- a greater number than we normally see as females in general have a 10 times higher risk than males for anorexia. So what does that mean?
The study looked at twins, same sex twins and opposite sex twins. Researchers observed 51 cases of anorexia among the female twins, 3 among the male twins and 36 among the opposite-sex pairs. What is interesting is that among the opposite-sex twins almost half the cases were in males- a greater number than we normally see as females in general have a 10 times higher risk than males for anorexia. So what does that mean?
"the male member of a male-female twin pair had a risk for anorexia statistically no different from the risk among females... Female sex hormones may influence neurodevelopment and later risk for anorexia, they suggest, and males in that uterine environment would be similarly affected."
For help on anorexia, try AnorexiaHelp.net, HealthyPlace.com, or Anorexia Treatment.Monday, December 3, 2007
Peanut Allergies at 14 months
A recent study published in Pediatrics has caused the American Academy of Pediatrics to now recommend that children with a family history of allergies avoid peanuts until age 3.
Analyzing data from 2000 to 2006 from the Duke University pediatric allergy and immunology clinic, doctors found that food allergies are showing up earlier. The study concluded,
"In the past decade, the ages of first peanut exposure and reaction have declined among peanut-allergic children seen in a referral clinic. Egg allergy is very common in peanut-allergic patients, and sesame seeds should perhaps be considered one of the major food allergens. The decline in the age of first peanut reaction seems to be attributable to earlier exposure."
Dr. Todd Green of the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh was quoted by MSNBC, “There’s a valid reason to delay introduction to products containing peanuts. When kids are older, it can be easier to manage bad reactions. They can tell you right away if their mouths feel funny. For that reason alone, it’s worth delaying exposing your child to a peanut product, especially if a child is at high risk".
If you are worried about the possibilty of food allergies because of family history, go ahead and wait- it certainly doesn't appear to hurt.
Analyzing data from 2000 to 2006 from the Duke University pediatric allergy and immunology clinic, doctors found that food allergies are showing up earlier. The study concluded,
"In the past decade, the ages of first peanut exposure and reaction have declined among peanut-allergic children seen in a referral clinic. Egg allergy is very common in peanut-allergic patients, and sesame seeds should perhaps be considered one of the major food allergens. The decline in the age of first peanut reaction seems to be attributable to earlier exposure."
Dr. Todd Green of the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh was quoted by MSNBC, “There’s a valid reason to delay introduction to products containing peanuts. When kids are older, it can be easier to manage bad reactions. They can tell you right away if their mouths feel funny. For that reason alone, it’s worth delaying exposing your child to a peanut product, especially if a child is at high risk".
If you are worried about the possibilty of food allergies because of family history, go ahead and wait- it certainly doesn't appear to hurt.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Breastfeeding and IQ Boosting
Recent research performed at Avshalom Caspi at King's College in London found that babies that carry a specific gene get extra benefit (specifically IQ) when they are breastfeed- than those who lack the gene. The benefits from breastfeeding any baby are still enormous; being protected against childhood cancer, obesity, allergies and infections- are not be belittled here.
The authors looked at a gene called FADS2. They decided to follow this gene because it produces an enzyme that helps convert fatty acids into the polyunsaturated fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and AA (arachidonic acid). DHA accumulates in large amounts in the brain during the first two years of life and has been shown to help with brain development, although doctors are not yet sure why and how.
FADS2 has three variants, two of which have an allele called the "C allele". If your baby has the C allele breastfeeding will give them an average boost of 6.8 IQ points. If the this allele isn't present there is no noticeable benefit in IQ. Although it appears the odds your baby has this gene are in your favor- they say 90% of the population has the C allele.
Terrie Moffitt, a professor of psychological and brain sciences in Duke University's Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, and researcher in the study comments on the breakthrough, "The argument about intelligence has been about nature versus nurture for at least a century. We're finding that nature and nurture work together". That's what I like to hear- it's not nature versus nurture- it is a very very complex combination of them both.
The authors looked at a gene called FADS2. They decided to follow this gene because it produces an enzyme that helps convert fatty acids into the polyunsaturated fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and AA (arachidonic acid). DHA accumulates in large amounts in the brain during the first two years of life and has been shown to help with brain development, although doctors are not yet sure why and how.
FADS2 has three variants, two of which have an allele called the "C allele". If your baby has the C allele breastfeeding will give them an average boost of 6.8 IQ points. If the this allele isn't present there is no noticeable benefit in IQ. Although it appears the odds your baby has this gene are in your favor- they say 90% of the population has the C allele.
Terrie Moffitt, a professor of psychological and brain sciences in Duke University's Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, and researcher in the study comments on the breakthrough, "The argument about intelligence has been about nature versus nurture for at least a century. We're finding that nature and nurture work together". That's what I like to hear- it's not nature versus nurture- it is a very very complex combination of them both.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
One Baby Photo Too Many
Researchers at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business discovered that your professional image may suffer if you have too many family photos or trinkets in your office space. They warn that if more than 5 items in the workspace are personal, it may affect how co-workers think of you.
The research was done by surveying managers and corporate recruiters. They also report that the idea of too many personal items in the workplace is an American notion. Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks, assistant professor of management and organizations at the Ross School of Business says, "Americans are expected to put aside personal matters and focus almost exclusively on work-specific concerns upon entering the office". Recruiters also judged candidates more preferably when they mentioned less about their personal life.
Conclusion? Maybe take down some of those photos from last year. Keep only the current ones up. But you know your work place best, if it is more or less accepted at your work (check out managers offices) then go with the flow.
The research was done by surveying managers and corporate recruiters. They also report that the idea of too many personal items in the workplace is an American notion. Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks, assistant professor of management and organizations at the Ross School of Business says, "Americans are expected to put aside personal matters and focus almost exclusively on work-specific concerns upon entering the office". Recruiters also judged candidates more preferably when they mentioned less about their personal life.
Conclusion? Maybe take down some of those photos from last year. Keep only the current ones up. But you know your work place best, if it is more or less accepted at your work (check out managers offices) then go with the flow.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Bumper Pad Study
A study appearing in the September issue of the Journal of Pediatrics found 27 accidental deaths reported by authorities of infants that were suffocated or strangled by bumper pads or bumper pad ties between 1985-2005. They also found records of 25 non-fatal injuries also attributed to bumper pads.
Researchers from Washington Univ. School of Medicine in St. Louis, who performed the study, looked at 22 bumper pads in terms of safety. Specifically, they looked at softness, potential space between bumper bottom and mattress, width and length of the pads, and the length of the fasteners. Manufacturing standards limit tie length to 9 inches, but two of the pads examined exceeded that length.
It seems that both soft pads and firm pads pose problems. Dr. Bradley Thatch said, "If the pads are too soft, the baby's nose or face can get pressed up against it, and the baby suffocates. If they are too firm, the baby can climb up on the pads and fall out of the crib."
In the end researches ruled all 22 of the pads they examined hazardous because there was room for an infant to get their head wedged in between the pad and the mattress. Dr. Thatch recommends not using any sort of bumper in cribs or bassinets.
Researchers from Washington Univ. School of Medicine in St. Louis, who performed the study, looked at 22 bumper pads in terms of safety. Specifically, they looked at softness, potential space between bumper bottom and mattress, width and length of the pads, and the length of the fasteners. Manufacturing standards limit tie length to 9 inches, but two of the pads examined exceeded that length.
It seems that both soft pads and firm pads pose problems. Dr. Bradley Thatch said, "If the pads are too soft, the baby's nose or face can get pressed up against it, and the baby suffocates. If they are too firm, the baby can climb up on the pads and fall out of the crib."
In the end researches ruled all 22 of the pads they examined hazardous because there was room for an infant to get their head wedged in between the pad and the mattress. Dr. Thatch recommends not using any sort of bumper in cribs or bassinets.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Tall Genes
We knew that height was hereditary, but now scientists have identified exactly a gene which helps in determin how tall we will be. Each copy of the tall allele adds approximately one-fifth of an inch. An allele, in case you were wondering, is any one of a number of possible DNA codings that occupies a given position on a chromosome. Studies suggest that 90 percent of height is genetic, so the researchers are expecting to find many more height genes.
So what does identifying such a gene or allele do for us? Well, there is the case for general knowledge and understanding of how the human genome works, but for others it may be for the benefit of embryo eugenics. William Saletan of Slate magazine keeps his eye on the topic and writes on it periodically. He explains that of the 3 million children born via in vitro fertilization thousands go through preimplantation genetic diagnosis, a technique for weeding out flawed embryos. Saletan asks,
"What flaws are we screening for? That's the most uncomfortable question of all. Sometimes the flaw is a horrible disease. But increasingly, it's a milder disease, the absence of useful tissue, or just the wrong sex. If you think it's hard to explain where babies come from, try explaining where baby-making is going."
So what does identifying such a gene or allele do for us? Well, there is the case for general knowledge and understanding of how the human genome works, but for others it may be for the benefit of embryo eugenics. William Saletan of Slate magazine keeps his eye on the topic and writes on it periodically. He explains that of the 3 million children born via in vitro fertilization thousands go through preimplantation genetic diagnosis, a technique for weeding out flawed embryos. Saletan asks,
"What flaws are we screening for? That's the most uncomfortable question of all. Sometimes the flaw is a horrible disease. But increasingly, it's a milder disease, the absence of useful tissue, or just the wrong sex. If you think it's hard to explain where babies come from, try explaining where baby-making is going."
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Old Warning New
Reuters has an article published today warning parents that "Childhood TV Viewing Can Cause Teenage Problems". Is this really new news? Too much TV is bad, especially at a young age. We have heard this for years, and saw this not too long ago in the whole Baby Einstein drama.
The article was spurred by a long-term study from New Zealand released recently in Pediatrics. The main finding is explained by the author Carl Landhuis of the University of Otago,
"Those who watched more than two hours, and particularly those who watched more than three hours, of television per day during childhood had above-average symptoms of attention problems in adolescence... This suggests that the effects of childhood viewing on attention may be long lasting"
However, the author goes back and comments that his study is not proof that TV watching causes attention problems because children prone to attention problems may be drawn to watching television in the first place.
So what is the conclusion then? Those children drawn to TV should especially stay away since they may be more at risk for attention problems? This reminds me of a funny cartoon I saw yesterday:
The article was spurred by a long-term study from New Zealand released recently in Pediatrics. The main finding is explained by the author Carl Landhuis of the University of Otago,
"Those who watched more than two hours, and particularly those who watched more than three hours, of television per day during childhood had above-average symptoms of attention problems in adolescence... This suggests that the effects of childhood viewing on attention may be long lasting"
However, the author goes back and comments that his study is not proof that TV watching causes attention problems because children prone to attention problems may be drawn to watching television in the first place.
So what is the conclusion then? Those children drawn to TV should especially stay away since they may be more at risk for attention problems? This reminds me of a funny cartoon I saw yesterday:
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Bipolar or Catchall Diagnosis?
There is a flurry on the web and an article in every major city paper this morning about the increase in bipolar diagnoses in youth and whether children are being properly diagnosed. The articles all reference a new study that was released in September issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. The study is the most comprehensive study on bipolar disorder to date.
The researchers looked at records of patient visits from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey that was conducted from 1999-2003 for 962 patients with a bipolar diagnosis. An abstract from the journal can be seen here. To get the full PDF of the scholarly article, you have to fork up $15.
The big finding is that there has been 40-fold increase in children being treated for the condition in the United States between 1994 and 2003, when numbers jumped from 20,000 to 800,000. Most experts agree that the number of children with the condition is not actually increasing, but rather it is being noticed more often. Many other experts assert that it is over diagnosed. They say that bipolar disorder has become a catchall for explosive or aggressive child.
Other interesting highlights from the research include:
- Most youth (19 and under) bipolar disorder doctor visits were males, while most adult bipolar visits were females
- Youth were more likely than adults to get a combination diagnosis of bipolar-ADHD
- Most youth (90%) were prescribed psychotropic medication during their visits
More information:
US News and World report article
New York Times article
Los Angeles Times article
The researchers looked at records of patient visits from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey that was conducted from 1999-2003 for 962 patients with a bipolar diagnosis. An abstract from the journal can be seen here. To get the full PDF of the scholarly article, you have to fork up $15.
The big finding is that there has been 40-fold increase in children being treated for the condition in the United States between 1994 and 2003, when numbers jumped from 20,000 to 800,000. Most experts agree that the number of children with the condition is not actually increasing, but rather it is being noticed more often. Many other experts assert that it is over diagnosed. They say that bipolar disorder has become a catchall for explosive or aggressive child.
Other interesting highlights from the research include:
- Most youth (19 and under) bipolar disorder doctor visits were males, while most adult bipolar visits were females
- Youth were more likely than adults to get a combination diagnosis of bipolar-ADHD
- Most youth (90%) were prescribed psychotropic medication during their visits
More information:
US News and World report article
New York Times article
Los Angeles Times article
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Do You Cradle to the Left or Right?
A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reports that mothers who cradled their babies in the right arm showed signs of stress and could be at higher risk of depression than those who tended to cradle their baby in their left arm.
The study was small and only looked at 79 mothers, but the results showed a significant trend. The new mothers were asked to pick up and cradle their babies and then complete a survey which asked them about their mental state.
The study was small and only looked at 79 mothers, but the results showed a significant trend. The new mothers were asked to pick up and cradle their babies and then complete a survey which asked them about their mental state.
Of the mothers who showed no signs of stress or depression, 86 percent held their babies to the left. Among stressed mothers with 32 percent cradled to right.
Nadja Reissland, a developmental psychologist at Durham University, who lead the study said that that there was no connection between side preference and whether a person was right- or left-handed.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
High Blood Pressure in Children
A new study released authored by David Kaelber in the Journal of the American Medical Association, reports that more than a million American children have undiagnosed high blood pressure. If left untreated, high blood pressure puts children at risk for developing organ damage later in life and possibly early artery and heart damage.
The researchers looked at 14,187 healthy children aged 3 to 18 in northeast Ohio. Using the blood pressure, height and weight recorded at 3 separate doctor visits over the last few years, they calculated 3.6% had high blood pressure. Of those patients that did have high blood pressure, only 2.5% had the condition diagnosed.
The researchers looked at 14,187 healthy children aged 3 to 18 in northeast Ohio. Using the blood pressure, height and weight recorded at 3 separate doctor visits over the last few years, they calculated 3.6% had high blood pressure. Of those patients that did have high blood pressure, only 2.5% had the condition diagnosed.
Extrapolating the results for the whole U.S. population, doctors believe that 1.5 million children have undiagnosed high blood pressure. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend having blood pressure at every doctor visit. If you child is overweight, make sure your doctor takes the next step to calculate if it's too high.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Baby Einstein Makers are Angry
A few days ago the University of Washington published findings on the Baby Einstein videos, and now Baby Einstein is mad! They are demanding a full retraction of the study. They question the validity of the study and whether it was well executed. They go as far as to say,
"Our assessment, based on what we have been able to learn thus far, is that its methodology is doubtful, its data seem anomalous and the inferences it posits unreliable."
Looks like to me they hired some lawyers quickly and threw this letter together. Some of their counter arguments seem rather weak. Perhaps in their attempt to write a speedy responce they didn't take the time to really read. They write,
"That is to say, watching American Idol is better for infants than no television at all. Of course, such advice is absurd."
In reality, they wrote that in watching American Idol it is more likely that an adult would be watching along and therefore their presence would have an affect of engaging the baby-- and that engagement with an adult does have developmental benefits and hence is better than the infant watching programs alone.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
"Our assessment, based on what we have been able to learn thus far, is that its methodology is doubtful, its data seem anomalous and the inferences it posits unreliable."
Looks like to me they hired some lawyers quickly and threw this letter together. Some of their counter arguments seem rather weak. Perhaps in their attempt to write a speedy responce they didn't take the time to really read. They write,
"That is to say, watching American Idol is better for infants than no television at all. Of course, such advice is absurd."
In reality, they wrote that in watching American Idol it is more likely that an adult would be watching along and therefore their presence would have an affect of engaging the baby-- and that engagement with an adult does have developmental benefits and hence is better than the infant watching programs alone.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Mom Blue? Dad's Turn to Step Up
St. Louis University released findings on a study that showed children with depressed mothers are less likely to develop problem behaviors if their fathers are active in family life.
The 10-year study is the first to look at the father's role when the household has a depressed mother. Previous studies have shown that having a mother who suffers from depression increases the likelihood of developing aggression problems, hyperactivity, depression and anxiety.
The father's relative role was determined by questioning children aged 10 and older. The researchers asked the children questions about their relationship with their father. Examples include; how often they talked about important decisions, how well the father listened, how often the father attended events or activities, and how close they felt to their father.
Dr. Jen Jen Chang, assistant professor of community health in epidemiology at the Saint Louis University School of Public Health commented on her study,"Once we factored in a father's positive involvement, I observed that the adverse impact of the mother's depression was attenuated. The father served as a buffer. He may have engaged with the children when the mother wasn't available due to her illness."
The 10-year study is the first to look at the father's role when the household has a depressed mother. Previous studies have shown that having a mother who suffers from depression increases the likelihood of developing aggression problems, hyperactivity, depression and anxiety.
The father's relative role was determined by questioning children aged 10 and older. The researchers asked the children questions about their relationship with their father. Examples include; how often they talked about important decisions, how well the father listened, how often the father attended events or activities, and how close they felt to their father.
Dr. Jen Jen Chang, assistant professor of community health in epidemiology at the Saint Louis University School of Public Health commented on her study,"Once we factored in a father's positive involvement, I observed that the adverse impact of the mother's depression was attenuated. The father served as a buffer. He may have engaged with the children when the mother wasn't available due to her illness."
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
The Power of Suggestion
A new study suggests that French fries, chicken nuggets, milk and carrots will get higher reviews from children if they are told the food came from McDonald’s.
Almost 77 percent of kids aged 3 to 5 preferred French fries served in a McDonald's bag over French fries served in a plain white bag. Even with carrots, an item not generally associated with McDonald's, more than 54 thought the branded carrots tasted better.
"the more television sets in the house, the more likely a child was to prefer McDonald’s branded food, and that three-quarters of the families had toys from McDonald’s in their homes"
This I believe. In the Overspent American by Juliet Schor, many studies are complied to show that the number of television hours viewed directly correlates with spending. This shouldn't be too big a surprise, the more advertisements you are exposed to, the more you buy. Schor wrote another book after Overspent American in that same vain, Born to Buy: The Commercialized Child and the New Consumer Culture, which has some amazing statistics (none of which I can actually remember off the top of my head) about how many advertisements children see and process- even at a very young age.
While the McDonald's food preference study is mildly interesting, I think that the real point here lies in not only in packaging, but in brand recognition and advertisement awareness. I bet that kids will statistically favor items in packaging that they recognize over things in plain white packaging, just as the marketing industry has planned.
Almost 77 percent of kids aged 3 to 5 preferred French fries served in a McDonald's bag over French fries served in a plain white bag. Even with carrots, an item not generally associated with McDonald's, more than 54 thought the branded carrots tasted better.
Walt Riker, a McDonald’s vice president, said “McDonald’s own ‘branding’ of milk, apples, salads, and other fruits and vegetables has directly resulted in major increases in the purchases of these menu items by moms, families and children.” Aha! The real secret, branding is key.
So what if it was served in a Disney bag or a Sesame Street bag? The study didn't look at the more general comparison of brand name vs absence of brand name. How often can you buy food in an unlabeled container? Rarely, at carnivals or amusement parks perhaps, but even those are slowly being covered with advertisements.
"the more television sets in the house, the more likely a child was to prefer McDonald’s branded food, and that three-quarters of the families had toys from McDonald’s in their homes"
This I believe. In the Overspent American by Juliet Schor, many studies are complied to show that the number of television hours viewed directly correlates with spending. This shouldn't be too big a surprise, the more advertisements you are exposed to, the more you buy. Schor wrote another book after Overspent American in that same vain, Born to Buy: The Commercialized Child and the New Consumer Culture, which has some amazing statistics (none of which I can actually remember off the top of my head) about how many advertisements children see and process- even at a very young age.While the McDonald's food preference study is mildly interesting, I think that the real point here lies in not only in packaging, but in brand recognition and advertisement awareness. I bet that kids will statistically favor items in packaging that they recognize over things in plain white packaging, just as the marketing industry has planned.
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