So, how about making a more serious efforts in breastfeeding your child so that there is less of this threat to your little babies?

US warns of health concern from chemical in food containers

1 hour ago

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Bisphenol A, a chemical component used in making baby bottles and other food containers, could be linked to hormone and neurological problems, a US panel has warned.

The Health Department’s National Toxicology Program (NTP) said in its preliminary report released Tuesday on Bisphenol A that: “there is some concern for neural and behavioral effects in fetuses, infants and children, at current human exposures.”

“The NTP also has some concern for Bisphenol A exposure in these populations based on effects in the prostate gland, mammary gland, and an earlier age for puberty in females,” the report added.

(source : http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5htW5F-xpJgwN-qg15eCk1B4bchaQ)

Read this revelation from Reuters :

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – As many as one in five women in the United States suffers from postpartum depressive symptoms, according to results of a new survey.

The findings, published in Thursday’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a publication of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also indicate that certain groups of women, such as those with lower educational levels, are more prone to postpartum depressive symptoms.

The findings stem from an analysis of data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) — an ongoing surveillance project that collects self-reported data on various pregnancy-related issues.

In 2004-2005, the 17 states participating in PRAMS included two questions relating to postpartum depression in their surveys: 1.) “Since your new baby was born, how often have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless?” and 2.) “Since your new baby was born, how often have you had little interest or little pleasure in doing things?”

The women were considered to have postpartum depressive symptoms if they answered “always” or “often,” to either question.

source : http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSCOL06967420080410

So, new moms, remember to find peer support and talk to people you trust. Most times, we feel better after someone lends us an ear. Otherwise, tell your ob-gyn and he/she will know how to help you.

Eventhough there were lots of powders that I received in those baby hampers, the powder normally stands on the shelve till my boys are a few years old and I finally threw those unused powder away. Now, when I read this study results, I am glad that I was one lazy mom. The study says that chemicals phthalates  in the powder will cause “impairing male reproductive function”.

What ever that means….You don’t want to mess with your baby boys and got their system screwed up do you?

Parents who want to reduce their infants’ exposure to phthalates, chemicals suspected of impairing male reproductive function, should not apply baby lotions or powders — except for medical reasons. So concludes a study published in the journal Pediatrics.

Phthalates – man-made chemicals used in the manufacture of lubricants, cosmetics and plastic products including children’s toys — get into the air, liquids and the skin.

(full story on Washington Post)

But come to think of it, if we parents are more aware and trained to deal with ill children like that, we can actually provide them a more comfortable stay at home than being in the hospital. My children’s paediatrician who is very confident with my management of my sick kids normally allow them to stay home but go to the hospital at regular intervals to have their antibiotic shots.

So, read the full news on VOA :

A new study sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows children with severe pneumonia can be effectively treated at home and do not need to be hospitalized. The World Health Organization calls this finding hugely significant for developing countries. It says the change of treatment will save many children’s lives and take pressure off health systems. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from WHO headquarters in Geneva.

(source VOA)

So, in a way, I am lucky that I automatically dislike coffee and couldn’t stomach it. Otherwise, I am a coffee addict and will get headaches and bad moods if I don’t get my caffeine.

Now, read this :

SACRAMENTO — A state advisory board on Monday called for a study to determine if sodas and energy drinks containing caffeine pose a risk to pregnant women.

The review could lead to warning labels on the drinks under Proposition 65, a 1986 ballot measure that requires the state to identify chemicals that could cause cancer or birth defects.

“If I were a pregnant woman or a woman thinking about being pregnant, I would want to know, should I be avoiding caffeine?” said Renee Sharp, a senior analyst with the Environmental Working Group, an environmental research organization that’s based in Washington D.C. “It’s a really important question, and I think people are looking for answers.”

The advisory panel, the Science Advisory Board Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee, also requested an immediate review of Bisphenol-A, which could lead to warning labels on plastic baby bottles, water bottles and reusable food containers. The chemical Bisphenol-A has been shown to affect hormonal levels.

Caffeine and plastics may be harmful to pregnant women and babies. Do read the full story here on FoxNews.

However, I am rather surprised that they have recommended honey for coughs for children age 2 years old to 18 years old. Apparently, they conducted a study and discover that honey provides cough relief better than medicine. You may want to ask your doctor the next time your child has a cough. See if your doctor says it is fine. Please note that some children may be allergic to honey so always check with your doctor before attempting something like this home remedy :

Honey ranked highest, followed by dextromethorphan, and the placebo was in last place in terms of cough relief.

A closer look at the data shows that honey trumped no treatment. But honey’s slim lead over dextromethorphan may have been due to chance.

Honey’s benefits may be due to its antioxidants and microbe-fighting effects, Paul’s team notes. They add that dark honeys, such as buckwheat honey, tend to be rich in antioixdants and that further studies are needed to check their findings.

(full story)

Parents of children who go to Prince George’s County (school) are to appear at a special court hearing. Their choices are stark, either have their child (children) vaccinated there and then or face imprisonment or fines. This county still had 2,300 kids who had not been vaccinated and drastic measures have been put into force to make sure they are.

Rarely have such drastic measures been taken in America to make sure children get their vaccinations.

According to school officials and prosecutors, parents have had plenty of warnings over the last twelve months. They stressed that this drive is aimed solely at protecting children, and not locking up parents.

John White, representing the local school system, said “How can you in good conscience allow your child to miss school and their education for no particular reason?”

(full stoy)