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GAVI says pentavalent vaccine price to fall, but $3.7B still needed to vaccinate children in developing countries

The average price of a vaccine that protects children against five diseases is expected to "drop to $2.58 next year compared to the current average price of $2.97," the GAVI Alliance said Friday, Reuters reports. The group credits the expected price decline, which "represents a decrease of 30 percent over the last seven years," in part to an "increased demand for the pentavalent, or five-in-one vaccine," according to the news service (Kelland, 11/26).

30 Nov 2010

Sun protection education to begin early

In a bid to prevent skin cancer the June E. Nylon Cancer Center has received a grant from the Ronald McDonald House Charities in the amount of $1,590 to fund treatments for sun damage among for students in the Sioux City Community Schools and also provide sunscreens to them.

29 Nov 2010

New laboratory test for pregnant women to detect GBS infections

A more rapid laboratory test for pregnant women to detect Group B strep (GBS), the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns, is being studied by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).

29 Nov 2010

Whooping cough outbreak in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is witnessing an outbreak of whooping cough with more people falling ill. Health authorities are urging all people over 7 years of age to get vaccinated against the disease.

28 Nov 2010

Paracetamol linked to childhood asthma: study

New Zealand researchers have found that young kids given fever medicine Paracetamol are twice as likely to develop asthma. The study is an observational one by the University of Otago Wellington researchers where the team looked at Paracetamol use in 505 infants and 914 five and six-year-olds.

28 Nov 2010

Children with high BMI have adverse heart disease risk factors at adolescence

Children who have a high body mass index (BMI) between 9 and 12 years of age are more likely to have high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood insulin levels (all risk factors for developing heart disease) by the time they reach adolescence, according to a study published today.

26 Nov 2010

Study finds no link between mould growth and development of asthma, allergy among children

A recent PhD study shows that there is no link between mould-spore concentrations in the indoor air and development of asthma and allergy among children.

25 Nov 2010

New pediatric therapy centres in Westmount and Pointe Claire

Parents know the joy when their child begins to lift their head, starts to turn over, say their first word and begins to read. For the family of a child who suffers from a developmental delay or disorder what happens after this discovery is not always simple. In many cases seeing a professional can be challenging. Collage Pediatric Therapy launched private pediatric therapy centres in Westmount and Pointe Claire to provide families with this additional resource and means of accessing the expertise and answers they need to be able to intervene at the earliest stage in their child's development.

25 Nov 2010

Kids who feel part of the team are more likely to stay active and healthy

It's never fun riding the bench - but could it also make you less likely to be physically active in the future?

25 Nov 2010

Participation in Better Beginnings, Better Futures project improves social, academic functioning of children

Children living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods are more likely to succeed if they participate in a community-based prevention program, according to findings released recently from a multi-year research study based at Queen's University.

25 Nov 2010

Weather associated with trauma admissions

Every 5-C rise in maximum temperature pushes up the rate of hospital admissions for serious injuries among children, reveals one of the largest studies of its kind published online in Emergency Medicine Journal.

25 Nov 2010

Breastfeeding while remaining on epilepsy medications may not affect child's IQ

There's good news for women with epilepsy. Breastfeeding your baby while taking your seizure medication may have no harmful effect on your child's IQ later on, according to a study published in the November 24, 2010, online issue of Neurology-, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

25 Nov 2010

New report from anti-poverty coalition Ontario Campaign 2000

Ontario's child poverty rate is on the rise with more than 1 in every 6 children growing up in a low income household, says a new report from the anti-poverty coalition Ontario Campaign 2000. The Ontario government needs to step up investment or it will not meet its target to cut child poverty by 25% by 2013.

25 Nov 2010

Breastfeeding while taking epilepsy drugs may not affect child's IQ

New research from the Emory University School of Medicine offers reassurance for nursing mothers with epilepsy. According to a study published in the November 24 online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, breastfeeding a baby while taking a seizure medication may have no harmful effect on the child's IQ later in life.

24 Nov 2010

Sheraton Denver to host Breakfast with Santa to help Ronald McDonald House

On Saturday, December 4, 2010, the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel will host a Breakfast with Santa in 15/Fifty, the hotel's restaurant. The entire price of admission, $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under, will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

24 Nov 2010

Study reveals few advantages of prenatal diagnosis of cleft lip and palate

Many expectant parents look forward to routine ultrasounds as their first opportunity to "see" their baby. But the ultrasound can reveal that the fetus has unexpected medical conditions, such as a diagnosis of cleft lip and palate. Despite the emotional distress the diagnosis can bring, it can also offer the opportunity to prepare for the child's future needs. However, a study has found little difference between mothers who were given a prenatal diagnosis of cleft lip and palate and those who discovered the problem at birth.

24 Nov 2010

FDA warning leads to decrease in antidepressant prescribing for young patients

An FDA warning regarding increased suicide risk in children and teens taking antidepressant drugs has led to an overall decrease in antidepressant prescribing for young patients, reports a study in the November issue of Medical Care. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, and pharmacy.

24 Nov 2010

UNAIDS 2010 report documents significant progress in reducing pediatric HIV infection

The just-released UNAIDS 2010 report on the global AIDS epidemic reflects that there is increased momentum to eliminate pediatric HIV and AIDS worldwide, and documents significant progress in increasing access to services to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, reducing new infections in children, and providing treatment for children, mothers, and families living with the virus.

24 Nov 2010

Study finds solution for debate about mutation testing to prevent children with cystic fibrosis

Testing for genetic mutations beyond those medically recommended is unlikely to prevent the birth of children with classic cystic fibrosis and may detect mutations causing only mild disease, according to a study published online in Genetics in Medicine, the official publication of the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG).

From Quest Diagnostics 24 Nov 2010

New book to prevent childhood obesity

Today, childhood obesity contributes to a number of potential health risks. Written in an easy to read format, with lively, colorful characters, 'In Moderation' is a children's book that provides simple advice that can significantly reduce over consumption and prevent childhood obesity.

24 Nov 2010