Tag

Pediatrics

All articles tagged with #pediatrics

health18 hours ago

DC doctors weigh in on RFK Jr.'s revamped food pyramid

Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. unveiled a new food pyramid prioritizing whole foods, vegetables, and higher protein/healthy fats. Johns Hopkins policy director welcomed the shift away from preservative-heavy messaging but cautioned that the heavier emphasis on meat and dairy could mislead consumers, advising more plant-based and seafood protein options. Baltimore pediatrician Dr. Woods praised dietary variety for families and noted the daily protein target has risen to 1.2–1.6 g/kg, alongside advocating 30–60 minutes of activity most days and involving kids in shopping.

health1 year ago

Pediatrician Dispels Myths on Cold & Flu Home Remedies

Dr. Meghan Martin, a pediatric emergency room physician, debunks popular home remedies for cold and flu, highlighting their ineffectiveness and potential risks. She explains that methods like putting onions or potatoes in socks or under beds, and inserting garlic in the nose, do not draw out toxins or alleviate symptoms and can even pose health risks, especially to pets. Dr. Martin advises against these practices, suggesting that consuming nutritious foods like soup is more beneficial.

health1 year ago

Spike in Walking Pneumonia Cases Raises Concerns for Children

North Carolina hospitals, particularly in the Triangle area, are experiencing a surge in pediatric pneumonia cases caused by mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as 'a-typical pneumonia.' This increase is unusual, as it is affecting younger children more than usual. While there is no vaccine for this type of pneumonia, antibiotics are effective. The CDC has issued an alert due to rising infections, and parents are advised to keep sick children at home and ensure vaccinations for COVID, flu, and RSV are up to date.

health1 year ago

"Key Connection Found Between Autism and Common Infection"

A study has found that newborns infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV) are significantly more likely to develop autism. Researchers analyzed medical records of nearly 3 million infants and discovered that those born with CMV were two-and-a-half times more likely to be diagnosed with autism. The virus, which is common and often goes undiagnosed, may cause inflammation in the fetus' brain, disrupting its development. The study's lead author, Dr. Megan Pesch, advocates for more widespread screening for CMV during pregnancy to better understand and mitigate its effects.

health1 year ago

"Groundbreaking Gene Therapy Restores Hearing in Deaf Children"

A gene therapy trial has successfully restored hearing in both ears for five children born deaf due to genetic mutations. Conducted by doctors at Fudan University in Shanghai and co-led by Massachusetts Eye and Ear, the therapy uses an inactive virus to deliver working copies of the Otof gene to the inner ear. The children, aged between one and 11, showed significant improvements in hearing and speech recognition within weeks. The trial's success raises hopes for broader applications of gene therapy in treating various forms of deafness.

health-and-science1 year ago

"Brain Overgrowth Linked to Autism Severity, Study Finds"

A study by University of California San Diego researchers has found that brain overgrowth in utero is linked to the severity of autism symptoms. Using brain cortical organoids (BCOs) created from stem cells of toddlers with autism, the study revealed that larger BCOs correlated with more severe social and language difficulties. This discovery could lead to prenatal identification and potential therapies for autism.

health1 year ago

"Mom Alerts Community After Son Contracts Hand Foot Mouth Disease at Splash Pad"

A mother in Harlingen, Texas, warns the community about Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) after her 1-year-old son contracted the virus following a visit to a splash pad. The child experienced severe symptoms, including high fever and febrile seizures, and is still recovering. Pediatric specialist Dr. Asim Zamir explains that HFMD is common among children and spreads more easily in warm, humid conditions. Parents are advised to practice good hygiene and be cautious of public areas.

health1 year ago

Early Peanut Exposure Reduces Allergy Risk in Children

A study led by King's College London and sponsored by the NIH found that introducing peanut products to children from infancy to age 5 significantly reduces the risk of developing a peanut allergy later in life. The research, published in NEJM Evidence, showed that early and regular peanut consumption provided lasting tolerance, even if peanuts were later avoided. This approach could prevent many cases of peanut allergy among children in the U.S. Detailed guidelines for safely introducing peanuts to infants are available.

health1 year ago

Early Peanut Exposure Reduces Allergy Risk in Children

A UK study from King’s College London found that introducing peanut products to infants as early as 4 months old significantly reduces the risk of developing peanut allergies later in life. Children exposed to peanuts until age 5 were 71% less likely to develop an allergy by age 12 compared to those who avoided peanuts. The findings support guidelines recommending early peanut introduction to prevent allergies, though parents are advised to avoid whole or chopped peanuts due to choking hazards.