In The News
News, practice updates, and commentary.
Babies don’t just listen, they try lip-reading while turning babble into words
Babies don’t learn to talk just from hearing sounds. New research suggests they’re lip-readers too.
Alcohol Risk to Fetus Is Highest at End of 1st Trimester
Any amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy raises the chances that the fetus will develop birth defects, new research concludes. The risk is highest when pregnant women drink during the second half of the first trimester.
Build-A-Bear recalls nearly 300,000 teddy bears
The agency warned that while no injuries have been reported, the "teddy bear's eyes could loosen and fall out, posing a choking hazard to children,"
Strollers recalled in U.S., Canada over choke hazard
B.O.B., of Boise, Idaho, has received six reports of children mouthing the detached patch on the single and double strollers. Gagging and choking were reported in two incidents and the backing was removed without injury, the statement said.
Children in car seats may not be as safe as they could be
Many parents turn child safety seat around too soon. A 2007 study in the journal Injury Prevention showed that children younger than 2 are 75 percent less likely to die or be severely injured in a crash if they are riding in a rear-facing child seat.
Healthy diet is linked to lower rates of mental illness in teens
A new study shows that adolescents who had poor diets of junk and processed food were more likely to suffer bouts of depression and anxiety.
Kids still need 9 hours of sleep in summer
Long days and no school lead to later bedtimes. But as long as children are getting the same number of hours of sleep by sleeping later in the mornings (and sticking to this schedule), they can remain energetic, happy and ready to transition back to the school year with ease.
One-Third of Undergrads Admit Using Phone 'Apps' While Driving
Thirty-five percent of University of Alabama students who were surveyed report using smartphone apps sometimes while driving. Ten percent report using these applications often.
McNeil Initiates Voluntary Recall of One Lot of TYLENOL® Extra Strength Caplets
One lot of Tylenol caplets has a musty, moldy odor caused by a chemical (TBA) that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. See the link below for more details.
Childhood diseases return as parents refuse vaccines
It is a personal choice to decline vaccines, but this article explains the impact it can have, not only on one's own child, but on neighbors and the community.
Flu Shot May Lower Odds for Preemie Delivery
During peak flu season, odds of prematurity were about 70% lower if mom was vaccinated, study finds
Rear-Facing Car Seats Advised at Least to Age of 2
Northampton Area Pediatrics has been recommending keeping car seats rear facing until age 2 years. The AAP has now formalized the recommendation.
Not getting enough sleep? Turn off the technology
The article below provides more evidence that too much screen time is bad for your child's health. Remember these rules: 1) No more than one hour a day in front of the screen (computer, TV, video games, etc); 2) No TV in the bedroom; 3) No technology within one hour of a child's bedtime. And for the teenagers, turn off the phone at night.
Cindy Mayo, long-time practice administrator at NAP, passed away February 28, 2011
We are all saddened to say goodbye to our long-time friend and colleague, Cindy Mayo. She cared for innumerable children and families over the 2 decades that she worked at NAP. See below for her obituary in the Gazette.
Experts are concerned about insufficient tummy time for babies
Occupational and physical therapists and developmental specialists caution that babies who spend too much time in car seats, bouncers, and swings are not getting enough time on their bellies. Tummy time is necessary for the development of upper body strength.
Help for parents of hyperactive preschoolers
If your preschool child is hyperactive (more so than other children of the same age), you may be eligible to participate in a research study on whether a new parenting program can help children function better and prevent them from developing other social, emotional, and behavioral problems.
Ban on Drop-down side cribs
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is banning cribs with drop-down sides because they have been blamed for the deaths of at least 32 infants since 2001.
Toy Safety Annual report
Before embarking upon holiday shopping for the children that you love, be sure to consult with this report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group
4 deaths prompt Graco stroller recall
The strollers being recalled are older versions of the Graco Quattro Tour and MetroLite strollers and travel systems, all made before 2007 and distributed by Graco Children's Products Inc. of Atlanta.
