Health: Preventive Care Articles

We are always looking for ways to prevent problems, diseases and illnesses in our children. Below are many of the articles that we have found that focus on preventative care and includes information on vaccines. Other areas to refer to are Safety and the General Health and Medicine.

Our rating system for these Preventive Care articles is:

• - Best, in depth and most helpful overall
• - Very Good, but more specific in focus
• - Good reference material

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	2000 Childhood Immunization Schedule The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the 2000 childhood immunization schedule, which includes changes made during the last year that ensure vaccinations for the Nation's children remain safe and effective.
	An "Ounce Of Prevention" Program Is Launched - Preventing the Spread of Infectious Disease "An Ounce of Prevention Keeps the Germs Away. is a new program from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Reckitt and Colman, the maker of LYSOL brand products. They have formed a partnership to develop a comprehensive educational program with the ultimate goal of preventing the spread of infectious disease and reducing its death toll.
	Baby Bottle Tooth Decay and Oral Health in the Child Care Setting Although the responsibility for a child's oral health rests with the parents, child care providers play an important role in maintaining the oral health of children in child care settings. Although tooth decay is not as common as it used to be, it is still one of the most common diseases in children. Here are some guidelines about preventing oral health problems.
	Baby Bottle Tooth Decay and Oral Health in the Child Care Setting Although the responsibility for a child's oral health rests with the parents, child care providers play an important role in maintaining the oral health of children in child care settings. Although tooth decay is not as common as it used to be, it is still one of the most common diseases in children. Here are some guidelines about preventing oral health problems.
	Baby Product Safety Tips: Safety Alert- from the CPSC This is a great list of safety tips for parents of young children to follow. The tips are organized in a checklist format for quick review.
	Back to School With Food Allergies Preparing children to start a new school year can be exciting. However, for parents of children with food allergies, that excitement is often replaced by anxiety. An estimated 7% -- or up to 2 million -- children have food allergies and are at risk for a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. To assist parents, school staff and childcare providers in preventing and providing emergency treatment for anaphylaxis, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) has released a position statement offering a series of tips and guidelines.
	Child Health Guide - Put Prevention into Practice This is an outstanding 30 page guide from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that has information on preventative care and on good health habits. Use it as a permanent record to help you keep track of your child's health and care through the years. This guide contains many great growth charts, immunization tables and other quick-reference information that can help your child get a healthy start on life.
	E. Coli Infections Detection and Prevention Information E. Coli is one of many diarrheal illnesses a child can contract; yet, its severity warrants special attention. This 3-part article, as part of our special area on E. Coli infections, covers these important topics: * how to help prevent E. Coli infections in your children * what to do if you think your child has E. Coli * how parents can help prevent and halt E. Coli epidemics
	E.Coli Infections - What Parents Should Know and Do With a recent E. Coli outbreak in the western U.S. sending many children to the hospital, and perhaps killing one toddler, we learned that many parents are not adequately informed about the dangers and issues around E. Coli infections. In this area you'll find personal stories, medical information, news articles and more to help you protect your children.
	Eye Health Tips for Summer Fun in the Sun Sunglasses aren't just accessories for the summer, they are necessary protection for your eyes, according to the National Consumers League. Consumers know about the danger of sun exposure to the skin, but many are unaware that the sun's rays can damage the eyes. According to experts, UV-A and UV-B radiation can damage vision. Consumers can protect their eyes simply: Wear sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B.
	Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent's Guide To Prevention Today the widespread use of alcohol and other drugs subjects our children, families, and communities to pressures unheard of 30 or 40 years ago. Frankly, many of us need help to deal with this frightening threat to our children's health and well-being. Recent surveys show that we are making progress in our national battle against some drugs, but more is needed. This excellent article is filled with ideas, steps and advice to help parents prevent drug use and is organized by grade level, starting at preschool and continuing on through 12th grade.
	How Can We Enable Children To Live A Drug-Free Life? Parents play an important role in educating their children about drugs, but they cannot do it alone. Other groups also exert strong influence over children, including the school, clubs, and teams. Schools can increase children's awareness of the negative effects of drug use and equip them with skills to resist drug and alcohol use. When parents and schools work together within the context of the larger community, they gain the consensus that will strengthen drug prevention efforts.
	Keep Your Holidays Happy, Healthy and Headache-Free As the holidays approach, people across the country are looking forward to the twinkling lights, festive music, sweet treats and an extra dose of family visits. But for many, these favorite holiday traditions can also bring on an unwelcome threat of headaches and for some, even a debilitating migraine headache attack. This helpful article offers advice on how to prevent or control common holiday situations that could provoke headaches.
	Kids' Vaccinations Get a Little Easier Do you need more information about the vaccinations your child receives? And do you need a handy reference chart of when these vaccinations should be received? Then review this very helpful and informative article. The information in here will also help you during your next visit to your child's pediatrician.
	On the Teen Scene: Dodging the Rays There is no such thing as a safe tan. Why does the body tan? Because the body is being injured by ultraviolet [UV] radiation that hits it. Regardless of your skin color, if you're going to be out in the sun, even for a short time, apply a sunscreen to all skin that will be exposed. Apply the sunscreen generously before going into the sun and reapply it often.
	Retailers Join CPSC in Promoting Safe Bedding Practices forBabies To prevent deaths from soft bedding, seven major retailers are joining the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in kicking off a safety campaign promoting safe bedding practices for babies. As many as 900 baby deaths each year attributed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) may actually be caused by suffocation in soft bedding, such as quilts, comforters, pillows and sheepskins.
	Safety Calendar - A Month of Activities This great calendar has 30 things you can do to safeguard your family. We're all so busy, that we tend to postpone taking these basic steps. This calendar will help by defining discrete and often small things that you can do that could make a big difference in protecting your family. Check it out today!
	Trauma Experts Offer Safety Tips For Young Bicyclists With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, children on bicycles will become a common sight among neighborhood sidewalks. And, fortunately, more and more communities are enacting protective helmet laws for children operating recreational equipment. Protective bicycle helmets reduce the risk of serious injury by 85 percent, and the risk of brain injury by 90 percent. This article provides guidelines for bicycle safety.
	What Every New And Expectant Parent Should Know In this article you'll learn more about what to do to reduce the risk of SIDS in your newborn infant. This article has been provided by the SIDS Foundation of Washington.
	What You Can Do to Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - Sleep Position Alert One of the very important things a parent of a new baby can do to reduce the risk of SIDS, is to put the baby to sleep on its back or side. In this article from the SIDS Foundation of Washington, you'll learn about this and about other things you can do to reduce the risk of SIDS. This is a must-read by all parents and caregivers of newborn infants.
	Autism Not Linked to Immunization: Debunking the Myth In response to a U.S. House Government Reform Committee hearing on autism, PKIDs voices its support for more resources for autism research and stresses that there is no scientific evidence linking autism to immunization.
	Commonly Asked Questions About SIDS: A Doctor's Response In this thorough article from the SIDS Foundation of Washington, a pediatric pathologist answers the common and painful questions that parents have when their child dies of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or when parents of a newborn baby are fearful of SIDS.
	Decreasing the Chance of Birth Defects Of the 4 million infants born annually in the United States, about 3 to 5 percent are born with birth defects, according to the March of Dimes. Birth defects account for 20 percent of all infant deaths in the United States, more than from any other single cause.
	Diarrheal Diseases in the Child Care Setting Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of different germs, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, children can sometimes have diarrhea without having an infection, such as when diarrhea is caused by food allergies or as a result of taking medicines such as antibiotics. This article is a good overview of this problem and how its spread can be controlled in a child-care environment.
	Early Childhood Violence Prevention This Digest focuses on preventing violence in children's lives and suggests ways caregivers, parents, and teachers can reduce the damaging effects of violence.
	Escherichia (E.) coli In The Child Care Setting Escherichia (E.) coli bacteria are found in the digestive tracts of most humans and many animals. Usually, these infections are harmless and may even be beneficial. Not all E. coli are alike and, in a few cases, illness may result from infection with particular strains. One strain, E. coli O157:H7, causes one of the most serious digestive tract infections in the United States.
	Feeding Baby Nature and Nurture Are you concerned about what to feed your newborn baby? Then this article will help you. It covers topics from breast feeding to vitamin supplements. Even if you are an exhausted new mom, take the time to look at this helpful article.
	Free Back-To-School Vision Checks Offered Nationwide If a student's vision doesn't meet the grade, his or her performance in school may not be a true indicator of academic capabilities. This article describes the value of eye exams and includes a good list of signs of possible eye trouble in children, provided by Prevent Blindness America.
	Going Back To School Can Be Hazardous To Teeth This article offers many tips and suggestions to help protect your child's teeth from injury when they are at school or at home.
	NFID Experts Urge Wide Use of New Childhood Vaccine Schedule The U.S. Public Health Service joined with pediatricians to praise the new 1997 childhood immunization schedule for giving pediatricians and parents more choices when selecting vaccines, without compromising safety and efficacy. Details of the new schedule -- and reasons for the changes -- were discussed at a press conference sponsored by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).
	Osteoporosis Prevention Urged During Childhood And Adolescence Most Americans are still unaware that osteoporosis, a debilitating disease, is a condition that may be best prevented by eating smart and exercising regularly, during childhood and adolescence - the time when bone growth is optimal.
	Parents Play Key Role in Minimizing Impact of Children's Allergies Pediatric allergies are a chronic disease affecting more than 20 percent of school-age children and must be diagnosed early and treated properly. Parents must take a proactive role in identifying their child's allergy symptoms and in seeking proper treatment. By doing so, parents can ensure a child's physical symptoms are properly managed and quality of life is restored.
	Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Baby bottles emblazoned with soft drink logos are among the latest fad items selling in discount and toy stores across the country. Members of the Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) and other health-care professionals are concerned that parents and caregivers will be encouraged to give infants soft drinks in these bottles, increasing the likelihood of baby bottle tooth decay.
	Snack Smart For Healthy Teeth Sugary snacks taste so good-but they aren't so good for your teeth or your body. The candies, cakes, cookies, and other sugary foods that kids love to eat between meals can cause tooth decay. Some sugary foods have a lot of fat in them too. Here's a very informative summary for parents about this important issue.
	The Fright of the Iguana: Pet Reptiles Pose Risk of Salmonella Infection for Their Owners Iguanas and other reptiles are very popular pets, but these reptiles carry salmonella bacteria, which can infect owners that don't practice scrupulous hygiene. Many parents do not know that owning an iguana puts their children at risk for salmonella infection.
	Top Ten Tips for Keeping Your Children Safe Under the Sun This article has "Top Ten Tips" on keeping children safe from the sun during summer months.
	What You Need To Know About Periodontal (Gum) Diseases This is a good overview article from the National Institute of Health that describes the definition, diagnosis and treatments for a variety of gum diseases. The general information in this article applies to children of all ages, but it also specifically outlines problems, including juvenile periodontitis, that affects teenagers.
	Winter Safety With its cold and often stormy weather, winter presents many safety challenge- both indoors and out. Being prepared and following these simple safety tips can help you stay safe and warm this season.
	Your Child's Check-up Doctor visits are part of every child's life, but they may be uncomfortable and frightening for children, and difficult for their parents. This article, provided by Lucile Packard Children's Health Services, has suggestions to make them easier for both you and your child.
	Promoting Physical Activity and Exercise among Children Physical inactivity has become a serious problem in the United States. More than half of U.S. adults do not meet recommended levels of moderate physical activity, and one-fourth engage in no leisure time physical activity at all. Inactivity is more prevalent among those with lower income and education, and, beginning in adolescence, affects females more than males . A pattern of inactivity, also known as sedentism, begins early in life, making the promotion of physical activity among children imperative. This Digest discusses the importance of and ways to foster activity and exercise in children.
	Back to School Food Safety Tips With the start of the school season,the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) offers the tips to help ensure your child consumes a safe and nutritious school lunch.
	Kids Aren't Just Small Adults: Medicines and Children Today's nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are safe and effective treatments. And they are serious medicines--no less so for children than adults.With that in mind, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), working with manufacturers of OTC drugs, developed this article with important advice for parents.
	Link Between Childhood Obesity and Adult Cardiovascular Disease Two newly published studies strengthen reports of a link between childhood obesity and the increased risk of adult cardiovascular disease, according to the June American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
	New Data Presented at ICAAC Shows Aviron's FluMist(TM) Intranasal Influenza Vaccine Provided Protect New data from a Phase 3 efficacy trial in children shows that Aviron's FluMist(TM) intranasal influenza virus vaccine, under development, provided 100 percent protection against influenza strains included in last year's flu vaccine, and 86 percent protection against the predominant strain of influenza circulating during last year's flu season, A/Sydney.
	The Hazards of Raw Apple Juice/Cider Raw apple beverages have been identified as a repeated source of bacterial contamination that has killed and maimed children in over five states. Children, seniors, the immune impaired and pregnant women are advised to drink only pasteurized apple juice/cider.
	Lyme Disease -The Facts, The Challenge This brochure from the National Institute of Health presents information on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme disease, a disease spread by the bite of the deer tick. Lyme disease is still mistaken for other ailments, and it continues to pose many other challenges: it can be difficult to diagnose because of the inadequacies of today's laboratory tests; it can be troublesome to treat in its later phases; and its prevention through the development of an effective vaccine is hampered by the elusive nature of the bacterium.
	On the Teen Scene: Acne Agony No one knows for sure exactly what causes acne vulgaris, the technical name for the zit attack. But researchers do know that it usually starts in adolescence and that heredity plays a big role. If you have acne, you have lots of company--about 85 percent of the U.S. population between ages 12 and 25 develops some form of the skin condition. Most teens who get acne have the milder form.
	On the Teen Scene: When Mono Takes You Out of the Action Missed parties. Postponed exams. Sitting out a season of team sports. And loneliness. These are a few of the ways that scourge of high school and college students known as "mono" can affect your life. The disease whose medical name is infectious mononucleosis is most common in people 10 to 35 years old.
	On the Teen Scene: Being a Sport with Exercise-Induced Asthma You can have Exercise-Induced Asthma even if you don't have chronic asthma. 35 to 40 percent of people with seasonal allergies also have EIA, and his symptoms are always worse during the spring and fall when gym classes are held outdoors.
	Adolescents and AIDS Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition that prevents the body's immune system from effectively fighting disease. Although less than 1 percent of persons known to have AIDS are teenagers, this segment of the population presents characteristics that increase the risk of becoming HIV infected.
	AMA Offers Strong Support of Childhood Immunizations "The American Medical Association joins the American Academy of Pediatrics and U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher in strong support of childhood immunizations. In a statement submitted today to the U.S. House Committee on Government Reform, we noted that if a parent chooses not to have their child immunized, it not only puts that child at increased risk for disease -- but the entire community as well.
	An Open Letter To The Unpasteurized Apple Juice/Cider Industry To protect your child from potential poisoning by E. coli O157:H7 this fall, read this letter. We suggest that you read this letter and send it to other parents, parent groups and organizations that will find it valuable.
	Antibacterial Products May Worsen Problem of Resistant Bacteria In a paper published in the April 16 Journal of Biological Chemistry, Charles O. Rock, Ph.D., and Richard J. Heath, Ph.D., researchers in the biochemistry department at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, find that the use of antibacterial products may actually make drug-resistant strains of bacteria more prevalent.
	Asthma and Dorm Living: A 12 Point Survival Guide for College Students With Asthma As students with asthma head off to college, the Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. (AAN/MA) offer a 12 Point Survival Guide for College Students With Asthma and Their Parents to ward off symptoms produced by allergens, irritants and respiratory illness associated with campus living.
	Back-To-School With Severe Allergies As the start of the school year approaches, it's time for parents, schools and childcare providers to develop precaution strategies and emergency plans to protect children with severe allergies from potentially fatal reactions to food, insect stings and latex during the coming year.
	Basic Health And Hygiene Tips For Child Care Children in child care centers average six to eight upper respiratory illnesses and about four gastrointestinal illnesses each year. A key challenge for child care administrators is minimizing the spread of germs which are transmitted most commonly and easily by contact with dirty hands. This article provides basic health and hygiene tips to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
	Beverages Play Important Role in Child Nutrition Obesity in children may have as much to do with what kids drink as it does with what they eat, a new report by The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center's Nutrition Information Center finds. This report urges a reduction in soft-drink consumption and an increase in healthier, water-based beverages.
	Born to Fly: Kids, Gymnastics, and the Will to Win Countless children risk serious, long-term injury every day as a result of strenuous gymnastics training, according to an article in the Journal of the American Chiropractic Association (JACA). JACA explains that gymnastics holds more potential for lasting injuries than sports such as football, rugby, and soccer, among others, in part because it is the only sport that uses the upper extremities as weight-bearing limbs. And if not properly treated, these injuries can cause a lifetime of trouble.
	Calcium During Pregnancy Could Save Lives The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports how consuming sufficient calcium during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and pre-eclampsia, a potentially fatal disorder of high blood pressure and kidney failure. If you are pregnant, this is a good article to discuss with your medical professional.
	Campylobacter Infections in the Child Care Setting Campylobacter infections are caused by a group of bacteria which are found in many different birds and mammals. While we once thought that this group only caused infections in other animals, we now know that the campylobacteria are responsible for a number of diseases, including diarrheal illness, in humans.
	Careful Shopping Prevents Foot Problems Shoes that look "cool" will be on the top of many kids' back-to-school shopping lists, but parents should look beyond fashion to find shoes with proper fit and support while being aware of the warning signs of common foot problems, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).
	Caring for Diaper Rash Most babies will get a diaper rash at some time. Their bottoms are in frequent contact with moisture, bacteria and ammonia, and there is rubbing from the diaper. Babies and toddlers are at risk as long as they are wearing diapers. Rashes are much easier to prevent than to cure. This article from the Lucile Packard Children's Health Services will help you do both.
	Check Your Child's Vision Every Two Years With children heading back to school, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that school age children have a complete medical eye exam by their fourth birthday, and routine eye exams approximately every two years thereafter. This article also includes a question and answer section about learning disabilities, addressing issues that parents raise about eye problems and learning disabilities.
	Childhood Obesity Between 5-25 percent of children and teenagers in the United States are obese (Dietz, 1983). As with adults, the prevalence of obesity in the young varies by ethnic group. This article talks about the definition, problems, prevention, and treatment of obese children.
	Children Without Cavities: A Growing Trend The Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) reports that a study in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) indicates the number of school-aged children without cavities permanent teeth has doubled in the past two decades.
	Families Frying Together: Sunbathing Habits of Parents and Children Gone are the days when we send children outside to play to get a little color in their cheeks. We know too much about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure to hazard the development of skin cancer in our children. Or do we?
	FDA Approves Vaccine to Protect Babies from Infections Babies will soon start getting a new vaccine that will give them long-term protection from bacterial meningitis and bloodstream infections, while also cutting their chances of getting pneumonia, ear infections and sinusitis.
	First Nationwide Study on Youth Sun Exposure Shows Need for More Protection The American Cancer Society released preliminary results from the first nationwide study of the sun exposure and sun protection habits of youth. The findings illustrate the need for kids and their parents to take a comprehensive approach to protection against sun exposure.
	Healthy Beginnings: Nutrition's Role in Preventing Birth Defects Dr. Mills has studied the relationship between birth defects and diabetes, vitamins, obesity, caffeine as well as many non-dietary variables such as drug use and contraception methods. In this interview with Food Insight, he discusses recent nutrition-related research on the prevention of neural tube defects, low birth weight and other adverse birth outcomes.
	Managing Obesity and Cholesterol in Kids If you are concerned about your child's weight, you are in good company. This article states: "Childhood obesity is a serious problem. ... About 25 to 30 percent of school-age children in the United States are overweight or obese, which puts them at a high risk for heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, asthma, orthopedic problems, hypertension and other health problems."
	March of Dimes Heads National Task Force on Folic Acid Education To coordinate efforts to get more American women to consume the B vitamin folic acid every day and reduce the number of serious birth defects in their babies, 15 of the country's leading organizations concerned about maternal and infant health have formed a national task force under the leadership of the March of Dimes. "Up to 70 percent of neural tube defects, which affect the brain and spine, can be prevented by consuming an adequate amount of folic acid daily, but not enough women of childbearing age are getting the message," said Christopher P. Howson, Ph.D., director of international programs and science officer of the March of Dimes. "A coordinated national approach to folic acid education is an important step for our organizations to take in order to achieve optimal prevention of these common and disabling birth defects."
	Moms and Daughters Reach For the Fridge For Healthier Bones Researchers from Oregon State University in Corvallis found that a mother's strong milk-drinking practice can positively influence her daughter's milk consumption. Drinking milk and a diet rich in calcium may help reduce the future risk of osteoporosis.
	NEJM Study Shows Children Born to Mothers with Untreated Thyroid Disease Have Lower I.Q.'s Untreated thyroid disease during pregnancy may negatively impact a child's psychological development, resulting in a significantly lower I.Q. score and a decrease in motor skills, attention, language and reading abilities, according to data published in today's New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
	New Study Confirms Vaccine Reduces Childhood Ear Infections A vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease in children has for the first time been confirmed effective in preventing certain childhood ear infections as well, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
	On the Teen Scene: TSS: Reducing the Risk TSS is a rare but potentially fatal disease that, when related to menstruation, occurs most frequently in young women aged 15 to 24, usually in association with tampon use.
	Outsmarting Poison Ivy and Its Cousins Approximately 85 percent of the population will develop an allergic reaction if exposed to poison ivy, oak or sumac, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Here's some information and tips from the FDA about how to identify and avoid poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, and how to treat the rash if you are exposed.
	Overview of ADA, IDEA, and Section 504 This article gives a general overview of Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It also contains a list of information lines and resources availale to the public.
	Parents Ask for Collaborative Investigation Into Role Of Vaccinesin Autism Epidemic The National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) and the Autism Research Institute (ARI) are calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to launch a public-private collaborative effort to investigate the possible relationship between vaccines and an autism epidemic.
	Parents on Right Sun Safety Track: But Still Room for Improvement Most parents have gotten the word about sun safety, but there's still room for improvement especially compared to making sure their children wear their seat belts, eat their fruits and vegetables or wash their hands.
	PMS Prevention Begins In Puberty Young girls and teenagers who understand the importance of taking care of their bodies will be less likely to experience premenstrual syndrome ((PMS) later on, according to this article.
	Preventing Infant Food Allergies Although food allergies affect only a small number of children, finding a way to prevent them or at least delay their onset is an important goal for parents and researchers alike. "Avoiding the early introduction of potentially allergenic foods is the basic step in the primary prevention of food allergies in children who are at high risk," said Zeiger. But some infants may still become sensitized or allergic to a food.
	Recommendation on Vaccination of College Students Against Meningococcal Disease The American College Health Association (ACHA) supports the new recommendation made today by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which will help further ensure parents and college students receive information about potentially fatal meningococcal disease and the availability of a safe and effective vaccine.
	Recommendations Revised To Prevent Infant Deaths from Soft Bedding To prevent deaths from soft bedding, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) are revising their recommendations for putting infants down to sleep. Soft bedding may be a major contributor to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.
	Talking To Your Daughter About Breast Health This is a good reminder that talking to your daughter about her breast health could be her key to early detection of cancer and could possibly even save her life. It suggests that mothers start with breast health maintenance education and teach their daughters about breast self examination.
	Testing Your Child's Hearing This article states that from the day of birth, an infant's hearing ability can be accurately tested and if you think your child has the slightest hearing or speech problem, have your child's hearing examined. A loss of hearing can result in developmental delays and missed learning experiences.
	Thumb Sucking -- Stop It Early... Helpful hints on how to help children avoid permanent structural dental problems resulting from thumb-sucking.
	Time for Kids' Eye Exams When children are back at school, vision problems may become more apparent than when the children are enjoying their summer vacation. Parents should realize that not all vision problems are readily apparent. This article will help parents to understand the wide range of symptoms and issues for vision related problems.
	Tips to Help Families Achieve Optimal Oral Health Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and prevention begins in childhood. This helpful article from the American Academy of Periodontology offers good advice on how to prevent periodontal diseases in children.
	Vaccine Protection: Adolescents Falling Through the Cracks The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases describes continuing threats to the health of our nation's teens from immunizable infectious diseases. They called for all 11 to 12-year-old adolescents to be adequately immunized, noting that the back-to-school period is an ideal time to assess vaccination status.
	Women of Childbearing Age Need to Know More About Folate And Birth Defects In the United States, approximately 4000 pregnancies are affected by neural tube defects each year; 50% - 70% of these developmental defects could be prevented if women consumed adequate daily amounts of folate or folic acid, either through their eating plans or by taking supplements. Recent studies in The Journal of The American Dietetic Association offer clear evidence that many women still have much to learn about folate and its crucial role in preventing birth defects.
	Wyeth Lederle Announces Action On Rotavirus Vaccine yeth Lederle Vaccines, the vaccine division of American Home Products Corporation (NYSE: AHP), is announcing a number of steps to address questions raised by reports of intussusception (a cause of bowel obstruction in which one segment of bowel becomes enfolded within another segment) in 20 infants immunized with RRV-TV (RotaShield(R) Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Oral, Tetravalent) during the period between September 1, 1998 and July 7, 1999. It is estimated that approximately one million infants were immunized during this period. All of the patients cited in the reports were treated and have recovered.
	The Sooner Orthodontic Facts are Faced, the Better Many parents assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct before jaw growth has slowed. Consequently, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child get an orthodontic screening no later than age 7.
	FDA Approves Serevent Diskus for Use in Children With Asthma Ages Four and Up Two out of three children with asthma under 12 years of age have difficulty controlling their symptoms. Asthma can cause children to awaken at night with nocturnal symptoms (e.g., coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness) and it can cause exercise-induced bronchospasm during physical exertion or exercise. Both conditions may require frequent use of short- acting medicine to control asthma symptoms. Serevent Diskus, FDA approved, is now available with long-acting, inhaled bronchodilator that helps provide long-term, 12-hour control of asthma symptoms and is available in an easy-to-use, breath-activated, dry powder delivery device.
	Hepatitis B Vaccination Required for 7th Graders in California Starting July 1, 1999 there is new legislation (Health and Safety Code Section 120335) which will require hepatitis B immunization for entrance to seventh grade in both public and private schools. An estimated 465,414 California children will be graduating from the sixth grade this year, a surprising 80% have not been immunized, and may not be able to enter the seventh grade to start school, according to requirements of the law .
	Near-Sightedness in Children Linked to Light Exposure During Sleep Before Children who sleep with a light on in their bedrooms at night before the age of 2 may be at significantly higher risk of developing myopia -- near-sightedness -- when they become older than children who sleep as infants in the dark at night, according to a collaborative study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
	Considering Orthodontics? Here Are Some Things to Think About This is brief overview article outlining key points and issues regarding orthordontics, including cost, finding an orthodontist and when to have your child's teeth examined. This article is appropriate if you are just beginning to consider orthodontics for your child.
	Maternal Connections: Breast Engorgement Engorgement may develop if your baby does not adequately remove the milk from your breasts. During this time, your breasts will feel hard, painful and hot. Here are some prevention and treatment techniques from Maternal Connections.
	Those With Asthma: Take Precautions During High Ozone Days To many Americans, concern over depletion of the ozone layer may seem to conflict with the weatherman's warning about high ozone on humid days. This confusion arises because ozone can be good or bad, depending on where it is. Excess ozone at ground level can be extremely detrimental. This is of particular concern to the 15 million adults and children who have asthma.
	A Guide to Youth Smoking Prevention Policies and Programs This Parent Guide from the ERIC Clearinghouse on Urban Education provides many policies, programs, and practices for schools, communities, and families to combat youth smoking. Specific points which are important to include in anti-smoking education campaigns are also provided.
	FDA: On the Teen Scene: An Itch Like No Other Yeast infections are most common in young women. Medications recently made available over-the-counter, as well as at least one new prescription product, make it easier to end the itch before it turns into pain.
	Health Travel Tips for Spring-Break March is the month when the most serious cases of cabin fever strike adults and college-students alike. A few basic tips can help keep travelers healthy while on vacation.
	Most Americans Aren't Getting The Message About Folic Acid Despite efforts by government agencies and public education initiatives to raise awareness about folic acid and its role in helping to prevent certain birth defects, a national survey of American adults finds that 62% of men and women -- and 58% of women of childbearing age (18-39) -- have never seen, read nor heard about this important B-vitamin. This article highlights the importance of increasing the public's awareness of folic acid's benefits and how to get the recommended daily intake through the food we eat and vitamins.
	A Little Effort Goes A Long Way to Keep Asthma Patients Healthy Children treated for acute asthma attacks who went home to parents who smoke stayed healthier if care givers made regular follow up calls to check on measures to reduce the children's exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), according to a study by the Pulmonary Division at Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle, Wash.
	General Information about Visual Impairments This article from the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) describes the characteristics and educational implications of visual impairments, including partially sighted, low vision, legally blind, and totally blind impairments. A good list of additional resources is also included.
	ADA Study Identifies Most Common Sun Protection Activities For Children A study conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) determined that nearly 75% of adults practiced one or more sun protection behaviors with the children, ranging in age from newborn to 12 years old, in their care.
	Adolescents With Eating Disorders are Increasing Risk of Osteoporosis As the incidence of eating disorders continues to rise in adolescents, particularly females, a dangerous side effect has come to light -- osteoporosis. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) aims to increase awareness among adolescents prone to osteoporosis as a result of eating disorders.
	Anna's Story A mother recounts her child Anna's brush with the bacteria e. coli that caused Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), "a disease that affects the kidneys and other organs. It poses a threat...as one of the leading causes of both acute and chronic kidney failure."
	Blue Care Network Offers Advice on Seasonal Viruses "We all need to remember to take care of ourselves during the holidays," said Dr. Rice recently. "Good lifestyle habits can pay off in avoiding illnesses." Dr. Rice offers these tips on how to stay healthy during the cold and flu season.
	Breakthrough in the Early Detection of Childhood Vision Disorders The development of a new digital computerized vision screening system now makes it possible to detect childhood eye diseases in less than one minute. This will help many children with vision disorders who are not tested early enough.
	Chickenpox is Now the Leading Cause of Vaccine Preventable Deaths in Children in the United States Varicella-related (chickenpox) deaths in children continue to occur in the United States, despite the availability of a vaccine and recommendations for its use in all susceptible children by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians.
	CPSC, Gerber, BPHC, BET Launch Campaign to Lower African-American SIDS The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Gerber Products Co. today released a new national survey showing that African-Americans are more likely to place their babies to sleep in ways that increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
	Dental Sealants An Effective Weapon Against Decay The Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) reports that an article published in February's Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) concluded that dental sealants are highly effective in the prevention of tooth decay on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
	Emergency Departments Important Line of Defense in Immunizing Hard-to-Reach Children Despite nationwide efforts, a large number of young children in the United States still lack most of their necessary immunizations against basic childhood diseases. Emergency departments and their personnel can be effective in helping immunize these children who, for many reasons, fall through the cracks in the health care system.
	FDA/ Folic Acid To Fortify U.S Food Products To Prevent Birth Defects U.S. food manufacturers will add the nutrient folic acid to most enriched breads, flours,corn meals, pastas, rice and other grain products to reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects in newborns, as a result of action taken by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration.
	Health Alert: Vaccines Alter Diabetes Risk! This study, published in Diabetologia (Journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes) indicates that immunization alters the risk of developing insulin dependent diabetes.
	Importance of Early Orthodontic Screenings While helping their youngsters decide which pretty or snaggle-toothed mask to put on for Halloween, most parents probably aren't thinking about orthodontics. They should, however, because October is National Orthodontic Health Month, a time when the importance of children's orthodontic health is in the spotlight.
	Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine Proves Effective in Children A new type of influenza vaccine given in a nasal spray is very effective at preventing the flu in healthy young children, according to results from a large multicenter study supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the biopharmaceutical company Aviron.
	National Campaign to Educate Children about Sun Safety Launched To educate children about the importance of sun safety, the American Academy of Dermatology and Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc., the maker of the Coppertone(R) brand, have partnered to initiate a multi-year national sun safety educational campaign.
	Number Of Children Without Cavities Doubles In Two Decades The number of school-aged children without cavities in their permanent teeth has doubled in the past two decades, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA).
	Tips on Teaching Kids Proper Dental Care In observance of National Children's Dental Health Month this February, the Prudential HealthCare's managed dental plan, the Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO(R)), offers important tips on teaching kids proper dental care.
	Understanding Strabismus and Amblyopia Two to four percent of America's children develop strabismus and/or amblyopia. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says early detection and treatment of these disorders during childhood are essential for preventing permanent vision loss.
	A Healthy Mouth for Your Baby General information and tips on how to maintain the dental health of your baby.
	New Site Dedicated To Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention A new World Wide Web site has been launched, by the Campaign For Our Children, Inc., focusing on teen pregnancy problems in the United States. The site is a forum for parents, educators, public health professionals and local government officials to discuss and exchange information about teen pregnancy prevention.
	French Halt School Age Hepatitis B Immunization, Risk of Autoimmunity Cited The Ministry of Health in France recently announced a decision to suspend routine hepatitis B immunization of children in French schools while continuing routine Hepatitis B immunization at birth. The reason for this decision was apparently the increased risk of autoimmune diseases that is associated with the vaccine when it is given starting at school age.
	Make Halloween a Treat for Your Child's Health Fun and creative ways to protect your child's bewitching smile and encourage good dental-care habits this Halloween.
	New Study Shows Pre-Operative Sedative Helps Children To Recover From Fear Of Surgery New clinical research shows that if a child is given a sedative before surgery, then the negative post-operative reactions might be prevented. This research, which was published in a recent edition of Anesthesiology, demonstrated that giving children a sedative prior to administration of general anesthesia for surgery not only reduces pre-operative anxiety, but also may improve post-operative behavioral outcomes. The results showed that children who were premedicated before surgery experienced fewer negative reactions to the operation, such as bed-wetting and loss of appetite, than those patients who were not premedicated.
	Tips to Help Children Who Suffer Car Sickness Car sickness has as much to do with the body's own sensory overload as it does with the motion of the car. While the brain is telling the body "we're moving," your actions -- like reading a book -- may be feeding the brain an entirely different message.
	What's Lurking in the Sandbox? While little ones enjoy building castles, digging holes and rolling around in the sandbox, these popular play areas present the perfect environment for the spread of disease. In fact, playing in sandboxes may make a child more prone to contracting contagious viruses and bacteria, including those that cause warts, conjunctivitis and skin disorders.
	Look Beyond the Obvious for Telltale Signs of Child Abuse The eyes may be the window to the soul, but the face offers the most telling glimpse behind the closed doors of child abuse. In a comprehensive study of 371 children who were suspected of being abused, injuries to the head and face accounted for 28% of 892 soft-tissue injuries.
	NHTSA Announces Comprehensive Plan to Improve Air Bag Technology And Reduce Air Bag Dangers The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced a comprehensive approach to preserve the important safety benefit of air bags while minimizing their danger to children and at-risk adults.
	Dehydration and Kids: A Fluid Situation Severe dehydration can lead to heat illness, heat stroke and even death. With record high temperatures predicted for much of the country this summer, it's best to think about the dangers of dehydration to active children before it happens.
	New Study Reveals Parental Blunders With Kids' Brushing Routine national study just released by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and Oral-B Laboratories reveals parents aren't following the experts' advice regarding their children's dental care, and are mostly unaware of the specific "ages and stages" in a child's oral care development.
	Carrier Testing Now Available for Leading Genetic Childhood Killer This article reveals that a recent medical breakthrough will enable medical professionals to determine for the first time whether a person is a carrier of the often-fatal genetic disorder, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, or SMA. SMA is the leading genetic killer of children under the age of two years.
	Education Program to Teach High School Students About HIV The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), in partnership with Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT), a leader in AIDS research and product development, today announced the launch of the new education program, The Science of HIV. This innovative high school science curriculum package teaches students about the science behind HIV and AIDS.
	First Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Approved For Infants The Food and Drug Administration announced it has licensed the first acellular pertussis vaccine for use in infants and children two months of age and older for the primary series of immunizations. The vaccine protects infants against whooping cough while causing fewer side-effects than whole-cell pertussis vaccines now on the market.
	Infant Vaccine to Target Pneumococcus Bacteria If your child suffers from ear infections, this article describes a vaccine that you may wish to discuss with your pediatrician.
	Mommy, What's Mumps? A national survey shows how traditional childhood diseases are a mystery to kids today thanks to modern vaccines and national vaccination programs.
	Ounce of Prevention Study Finds School Clinics Effective A federally funded study of school-based health centers in Chicago high schools has determined that the clinics were effective in reducing cigarette and marijuana use and detecting sexually transmitted diseases, but must increase mental health services to address widespread student depression.
	Tips on Preventing Car-Sickness in Children Car-sickness isn't really about the car -- it's about sensory overload. To head off or avoid car-sickness, this article provides specific recommendations for parents to follow.
	Youth HIV/AIDS Risk: Wide Range of Prevention Messages Needed Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outline the continued need for HIV prevention messages that are targeted to reflect the diverse experiences of young people.
	Decline In Perinatal HIV Transmission Studies presented by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the XI International AIDS Conference reinforces earlier findings that perinatal HIV transmission can be reduced by treating mother and child with zidovudine (ZDV).