A study found that 21% of children with autism use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as part of their treatment plan. CAM use was higher among children with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, particularly those following special diets such as gluten-free or casein-free diets.
Researchers developed an 'asthma medical home' to address patient symptoms and environment, leading to a 63% decrease in emergency department visits and 62% reduction in inpatient hospitalization rates. This comprehensive approach empowers families to manage asthma symptoms, improving health outcomes.
Researchers found a strong association between display of sexual references on Facebook and self-reported intention to initiate sexual intercourse. The study suggests that social networking sites can provide clues for when parents should talk to their children about sex.
A recent study found that 92% of Medicaid renewal applications were written at or above the fifth-grade reading level, contributing to gaps in insurance coverage for children. Simplifying these applications may help improve child Medicaid retention and access to better medical care.
Vitamin D supplementation may prevent preterm labor and infections in pregnant women, with the highest dose of 4,000 IU per day showing significant benefits. Researchers recommend all pregnant women take 4,000 IU vitamin D daily for optimal maternal and infant health.
A new study reveals that depression is common among disadvantaged mothers beyond the postpartum period. Brief on-site treatment has been shown to improve depression symptoms and maternal perceptions of their child's behavior.
A study of 561 children found that exposure to violent crime was associated with more severe asthma, even after adjusting for caregiver stress and socioeconomic status. The findings suggest that health care professionals should consider a child's social environment when treating asthma.
A randomized, controlled study found that probiotics supplemented in enteral feedings of extremely low birthweight infants (ELBW) led to better weight gain compared to those without supplementation. No adverse effects were reported.
New research suggests that areas with more primary care providers have lower rates of ear and throat surgeries in children. The study also found that the availability of surgeons increases the likelihood of children undergoing these procedures.
Researchers found that giving breastfeeding mothers DHA supplements increased DHA levels in their breast milk by almost 12 times, providing a boost to premature infants' brain development. This effective way of providing DHA supports optimal growth and neurodevelopment for preterm babies.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reports a marked increase in abusive head trauma cases during economic downturns. According to research, the number of such cases rose significantly between 2004 and 2009, with 16% of affected children dying as a result.