Each year, some 400 US children over age 1, most of them toddlers, die overnight for no known reason. Families, longing for answers, often find that their families, friends, and even pediatricians are unfamiliar with this classification of death, or that they even occur. Family members who have lost a child, a medical examiner, and a research expert who has lost a child discuss SUDC.
Time Blindness
Someone who is always late for everything and never finishes any project on time is often labeled as irresponsible, lazy, or purposely insulting. But they may be suffering from a brain abnormality called time blindness that’s often a part of ADHD, with often sad consequences. Experts discuss.
What Every Parent Should Know: “It Doesn’t Look Like Drowning”
Seven hundred children under age 15 drown in the US each year, most within sight of a parent or other adult. Experts discuss one major reason: drowning doesn't look like most people picture it, and so are unaware the child is in trouble.
Medical Notes: Week of April 19, 2020
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of April 19, 2020 including: If you’ve been taking the drug Ranitidine for reflux or ulcer prevention, the FDA says stop. Then, a new study shows that parents are yelling at their children more since most of us have been ordered to stay home. And finally, with COVID-19 testing in such short supply… why not let a dog do it?
Older Dads, Younger Kids
The average age when men first become fathers has risen to 31, and more men are also becoming dads in their 40’s and 50’s. A National Book Award-winning author discusses his experience as a first-time dad at 56, and now as a 73-year old father with teenagers.
Medical Notes: Week of November 3, 2019
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of November 3, 2019.
Paid Parental Leave
The US is one of the few world nations that provides no paid job leave for either new moms or dads. A new study shows that paid leave has benefits in infant mortality as well as mother’s health. An expert and advocate for paid leave discusses the benefits.
Genetic Testing and Family Secrets
The availability of consumer DNA tests and databases has allowed long-hidden family secrets to be revealed, including mistaken paternity and unknown siblings. It has also taken the anonymity away from some cases of sperm donation. Two experts discuss the ethics of overturning this promised secrecy and the impact that the revelation of secrets can have on entire families.
Medical Notes: Week of September 8, 2019
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of September 8, 2019.
Sudden Unexplained Death of a Child
Each year, some 400 US children over age 1, most of them toddlers, die overnight for no known reason. Families, longing for answers, often find that their families, friends, and even pediatricians are unfamiliar with this classification of death, or that they even occur. Family members who have lost a child, a medical examiner, and a research expert who has lost a child discuss SUDC.
The Economics of Later School Start Times
Thirty years of research have shown that teenagers’ biology prevents them from getting to sleep much before 11pm, and with most high schools starting classes around 8 am, they are chronically sleep deprived. Experts discuss how students and even the economy would benefit from later start times and the reasons many people and school districts still oppose the change.
PANDAS–The Mysterious Childhood Disorder After a Strep Throat
Strep infection may prompt a severe reaction in some children, causing their own immune system to attack cells in the brain. What appear to be extreme psychological symptoms result from what is really a physical disorder. The disorder, known as PANDAS, is often misdiagnosed. Experts discuss.
Medical Notes: Week of July 8, 2019
A look at the top medical headlines for the week of July 7, 2019.
Why Parents Don’t Vaccinate
Measles had been declared eliminated in 2000, but has come roaring back because of the increasing number of people who have not been vaccinated. Parents may have legitimate fears of side effects, but claims vaccines are unsafe are not true. Experts discuss the complicated psychological reasons vaccine refusal exists despite this, and what may help change minds to promote public health.
Exceptional Breastfeeding
Most infants are breastfed in the US today, but breastfeeding often doesn’t look the way most of us think of it, as a result of adoption, same sex marriage, and other changes in parenting. An expert discusses some of the hurdles and challenges to getting infants the best nutrition possible.
