Children News and Research

RSS

Study finds selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors not beneficial for autistic children

Antidepressants commonly prescribed to people with autistic spectrum disorders cannot be recommended based on current evidence, a new study by Cochrane Researchers concludes. Despite some evidence of benefits in adults diagnosed with autism, they say there is no evidence for any benefits associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in children, who may suffer serious adverse effects as a result of taking the drugs.

9 Aug 2010

Genetic factors lead to meningitis development: Study

Genetic differences that make some people susceptible to developing meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, and others naturally immune, are revealed in a new study of over 6,000 people, published today in Nature Genetics.The research, led by Imperial College London and the Genome Institute of Singapore, is the largest ever genetic study of meningitis and septicaemia caused by meningococcal bacteria. It suggests that people who develop these diseases have innate differences in their natural defences that leave them unable to attack meningococcal bacteria successfully.

9 Aug 2010

Australian childcare costs to ramp up

From now on Australian childcare fees will rise to up to $33 per child per day. This is to ensure that childcare centres employ more and better qualified staff, a survey of 170 NSW centres has found.

8 Aug 2010

Antidepressants cannot be recommended in children with autism: Study

According to a thorough review published by Cochrane Researchers, commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs cannot be recommended for those suffering from autistic spectrum disorders based on current evidence. They say that there may be benefits of antidepressants in adults diagnosed with autism but similar benefits are not seen in children. These children may suffer extremely adverse effects if they consume selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

8 Aug 2010

IDFA applauds U.S Senate Committee for child nutrition legislation

The International Dairy Foods Association applauded the leadership of Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, on the passage of child nutrition legislation that strengthens federal feeding programs. The federal child nutrition programs include the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Supplemental Program for Women Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

7 Aug 2010

Health Net Federal Services to sponsor AMVETS Symposium

Health Net Federal Services, LLC, part of the Government Contracts segment of Health Net, Inc., is honored to sponsor the American Veterans 2010 Symposium for 21st Century Veterans in Louisville, Ky., August 9-11, 2010. The 2010 AMVETS Symposium will bring together more than 100 young Veterans to help develop a new comprehensive report on important issues such as reintegration, health care and benefits.

7 Aug 2010

ADA commends U.S. Senate on reauthorization of child nutrition programs

The American Dietetic Association commends the U.S. Senate for its bipartisan action Thursday, August 5, to reauthorize the nation's crucial child nutrition programs. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 covers programs reaching millions of children that were scheduled expire September 30.

7 Aug 2010

New superfood Ideal Omega Taste launched with free 'Omega Ice Cream' giveaway

There was mayhem on Blackpool's South Pier yesterday, as Ideal Omega Taste was launched with a free 'Omega Ice Cream' giveaway. The launch proved the new 'fish oil' superfood is delicious enough to be eaten by young and old alike.

7 Aug 2010

Ideasbynet to lend support for World Mental Health Day

Ideasbynet has announced it is to lend its support to the UK Mental Health Foundation as part of World Mental Health Day, taking place on the 10th October.

7 Aug 2010

Multimedia programs increase vegetable intake in kindergarten children

Popeye cartoons, tasting parties and junior cooking classes can help increase vegetable intake in kindergarten children, according to new research published in the journal Nutrition & Dietetics. Researchers at Mahidol University in Bangkok found the type and amount of vegetables children ate improved after they took part in a program using multimedia and role models to promote healthy food.

7 Aug 2010

Clinical trials in Asia, Africa confirm safety, effectiveness of rotavirus vaccine

Two studies published online Thursday in the Lancet show that the rotavirus vaccine is safe and effective at preventing much of the gastrointestinal illness in developing countries, where rotavirus kills more than 400,000 children under age 5 annually, Reuters reports. Based on the findings in Asia and Africa, the studies' authors "urged the governments of developing nations to make the vaccines a priority," the news service writes.

7 Aug 2010

SIRIUS XM Radio to broadcast call-in show for autism spectrum disorders

SIRIUS XM Radio today announced that in partnership with Autism Speaks it will broadcast Doctor Radio Reports: Understanding Autism - Looking for Answers, a live, two-hour call-in show hosted by veteran journalist Perri Peltz on which a panel of world-class doctors, experts, scientists and parents of affected children will explore the latest research and treatment options for autism and disorders on the autism spectrum and take calls from listeners across the country.

7 Aug 2010

Tufts University faculty debunks common dental myths

Brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly dental check-ups are standard for oral health care, but there are more health benefits to taking care of your pearly whites than most of us know. In a review article, a faculty member at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) debunks common dental myths and outlines how diet and nutrition affects oral health in children, teenagers, expectant mothers, adults and elders.

7 Aug 2010

Vemma joins with Presbyterian Hospital to provide ultra-premium nutrition for underprivileged children

Vemma Nutrition Company announces a partnership with Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina to provide ultra-premium nutrition to underprivileged children. Through Vemma's NEXT Helping Now Project, for each month's supply sold, the company donates a month's supply of its children's nutritional supplement, Vemma NEXT, to a child in need. Vemma will make ongoing donations to the Presbyterian Hospital Community Care Cruiser so children in need throughout Charlotte can receive proper nutrition.

7 Aug 2010

Kids v Cancer applauds Senators for Creating Hope Act of 2010

Kids v Cancer applauds Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Al Franken (D-MN) for their dedication to curing childhood diseases and supporting the bipartisan "Creating Hope Act of 2010."

7 Aug 2010

Research Roundups: Expanding Medicaid; More spending doesn't reduce mortality; Colonoscopy cost effectiveness; Kids, asthma and access to care

Health Affairs: Little Evidence Of Correlation Between Growth In Health Care Spending And Reduced Mortality - This study examines differences in hospital mortality and cost between 2000 and 2004 for patients at 122 U.S. hospitals, with seven common medical diagnoses: acute myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, community-acquired pneumonia, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular accident (also called ischemic stroke), sepsis, or urinary tract infection.

7 Aug 2010

Recent releases in Global Health

According to a Lancet Comment, "alcohol remains conspicuously absent from the larger field of research and programming in HIV and substance use. ... Patterns of hazardous alcohol consumption prevail in countries with the most severe HIV epidemics, notably eastern and southern Africa." In addition, "hazardous drinking patterns also dominate in the concentrated epidemics of eastern Europe and Asia, where alcohol use by injecting drug users and other marginalised groups might be an additional barrier to effective efforts to prevent HIV infection."

7 Aug 2010

Poor countries need assistance developing sustainable agricultural systems, USDA Undersecretary says

Governments and aid groups must do more to help the world's hungry develop sustainable agricultural systems, U.S. Agriculture Department Undersecretary James Miller said during an address Wednesday on the final day of the International Food Aid and Development Conference, the Associated Press reports (Hollingsworth, 8/4).

6 Aug 2010

Nemours applauds Senate for passing bi-partisan Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

Nemours, an integrated children's health system, congratulates the United States Senate on passing the bi-partisan Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, prior to the September 30th expiration of the child nutrition legislation. We applaud Senators Lincoln and Chambliss for their leadership in advancing this historic legislation.

6 Aug 2010

Child Nutrition Initiative encourages Senate for Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

The Child Nutrition Initiative commends Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee and ranking member Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) for their hard work and commitment to pass the bipartisan Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (S. 3307) – a vital step in the effort to improve children's health and increase their access to nutritious school meals. We applaud the Senate for their strong bipartisan support and encourage the U.S. House to act quickly to pass similar legislation so critical improvements can be signed into law this year.

6 Aug 2010