Folic acid, or vitamin B9, essential for red blood cell health and long known to reduce the risk of spinal birth defects, may also suppress allergic reactions and lessen the severity of allergy and asthma symptoms, according to new research from the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
In what is believed to be the first study in [...]

According to a new study, published in BioMed Central’s open access journal Substance Abuse, Treatment, Prevention and Policy, when legal medical therapies let them down, some teens turn to cannabis.
The research suggests that around a third of teens who smoke cannabis on a regular basis use it as a medication, rather than as a [...]

Evn when they know they are unsafe but are looking for natural alternatives
A new survey conducted in March 2009 by Harris Interactive® and commissioned by the compan Bionorica, a German maker of natural remedies, shows that while 90% of parents claim to be at least somewhat knowledgeable about the level of effectiveness and the [...]

In a national survey conducted by the University of Minnesota, primary care physicians report that they are more likely to ask patients with autism about complementary alternative medicine (CAM) use. These physicians also seek more CAM education for this population. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 150 children in the [...]

New study highlights the importance of green spaces where we live.
Children at high risk of obesity who live near parks and recreation areas are apt to participate in walking activities more often, researchers reported at the American Heart Association’s Conference on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism.
In a Canadian study, the presence of nearby parks was [...]

A study conducted by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Emory University School of Medicine has identified childhood trauma as a significant risk factor for the development of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
The results of the study, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, confirm that childhood trauma (sexual abuse and emotional [...]

In a preliminary study, researchers have linked the use of general anesthesia to behavioral or developmental problems in young children.
In the study, kids under the age of 3 who had surgery were found to have about twice the risk of developing behavioral or developmental problems compared to kids who did not had surgery. The [...]

Thee states ask bottle makers to end use of the
According to a report in the Associated Press three states have asked baby bottle and baby formula container manufacturers to end the use of , The letters went out to 11 companies urging them to end the use of the potentially harmful chemical bisphenol A [...]

Say no to cold meds for kids Under 4
Following the trail of growing evidence, and potential liability, of the dangers to children of over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications sold for children, drug companies said Tuesday that the medicines should not be given to children younger than 4 years old. The companies say they are acting from [...]

A new study published inthe journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine has found that the flu shot fro kids has been ineffective over the last two years. According to the research, the vaccination did not reduce reduce the number of child hospitalizations or doctor’s visits linked to the flu.
THe study is one of [...]