“Flat Head Syndrome”
Since the beginning of the “baby on back” movement to reduce sudden infant death syndrome, many more infants are developing misshapen heads with a flat spot in one place. An expert discusses whether this is serious.
Does Prenatal Fluoride Lower IQ?
Fluoride in community drinking water has been controversial since its introduction nearly 75 years ago. A new study adds to this with evidence that pregnant women who drink fluoridated water may produce children with slightly lowered IQ. The study author and two other experts discuss what’s known and what the ramifications of the study could be for …
Dog Breeds and Dog Bites
Nearly 40 percent of American homes have a dog, and while dogs may be “man’s best friend,” sometimes they bite, and sometimes with serious consequences. An expert who has studied dog bites discusses the reality of breed temperament, especially when children are around, how to prevent bites, and whether breeds with dangerous reputations deserve them.
School Crossing Safety
A safety expert and a veteran school crossing guard—the nation’s “favorite crossing guard”-- discuss.
Medical Notes: Week of May 12, 2019
A major tactic deployed by police called "Pro-active Policing" may be backfiring. Then, preschoolers are just as bad as adults at resisting large portions of food and finally, a study showing that young children are swallowing more foreign objects than ever...
Medical Notes: Week of February 3, 2019
Cancer deaths are on the decline, parents are dissatisfied with the systems school have in place to counteract gun violence. A study shows an increase in cardiovascular harm to patients taking basal insulin. Finally, more than half of those taking medical marijuana for chronic pain admit to driving while under the influence.
Reporting “Bad Parents” (2018)
Just about anyone can report a parent to a child abuse hotline. It’s meant to protect children, but all too often, parents are reported when no abuse or neglect exists in order to retaliate for a divorce or some other grievance. And though the world is actually safer for children than it used to be, some parents are reported for merely letting children play …
Medical Notes: Week of November 18, 2018
The connection between the appendix and Parkinson's Disease, plus asthma related issues due to obesity, third generation households, and finally, makers of smoke alarms may be thinking of changing what they sound like.
“Flat Head Syndrome” (2018)
Since the beginning of the “baby on back” movement to reduce sudden infant death syndrome, many more infants are developing misshapen heads with a flat spot in one place. An expert discusses whether this is serious, how it can be treated with a helmet-like device, and how it might be prevented.
Peanut Allergies and Kids Changing the Rules
New studies show rather than keeping kids away from peanuts to protect them, parents should give most infants peanuts from an early age.
Children’s Mental Health Treatment
A recent study finds that about 35 percent of children receiving treatment for mental health issues are being treated only by a primary care physician. This is due in part to a shortage in pediatric mental health care providers as well as a stigma in consulting them. Experts discuss readiness of pediatricians to treat mental illness in children and …
Child Suicide Survivors
Children whose parents die by suicide face a difficult emotional recovery. Well-meaning adults often make it worse with their mistakes in how they talk about the death. Experts discuss the right and wrong ways to help children cope with parental suicide.
