Study Shows Breast-Fed Babies Have Lower Blood Pressure
A study of 4,700 children showed that breastfeeding resulted in lower blood pressure during childhood. The longer a baby was breastfed, the lower the blood pressure. While the overall decrease in blood pressure was very slight for each child, the cumulative health benefits in improved cardiovascular health on an entire breastfeeding population would be very significant.

Dr. Sears comments: Click here to read more about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Stem Cells Shown to Treat Cancer in Mice
Stem cells (immature blood cells present in bone marrow and umbilical cord blood) were successfully used to carry cancer fighting proteins called interferon alpha directly to tumors in mice while avoiding surrounding healthy tissues. The stem cells were successfully induced to migrate directly into several different types of cancers in mice.

Dr. Sears comments: This is an exciting treatment option for the near future, and is just one of many possible future uses for cord blood stem cells. Click here to read more about storing your newborn’s cord blood.

Meningitis Vaccine Shortage Continues
Prevnar, a vaccine given in four doses 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 15 months of age to protect against the most common form of infant meningitis, has been in short supply in recent months. Doctors have been holding off on the 15 month booster dose in order to ensure adequate supply for younger infants. Now the supply problems are even more extreme, and doctors are instructed to only give infants a dose at 2 months and 4 months in order to ensure that all infants can receive at least partial protection from this meningitis. When supplies normalize, infants would catch up on missed doses.

Dr. Sears comments: Even though infants won’t have full protection after just 2 doses, the protection they do achieve is beneficial. Click here to review the entire vaccine schedule.

McDonald’s to End Super Size Items
By the end of this year the restaurant will no longer offer super-sized fries and soft drinks. This marks another step that many fast food restaurants are taking to help combat the ever-growing problem of obesity.

Dr. Sears comments: Even though it would be better to rid our kids of fries and soft drinks completely, this is a step in the right direction. Click here to read more about how to keep your kids healthy through good nutrition.

American Academy of Pediatrics Moving Away from Antibiotics for Ear Infections
In order to combat the ever-growing problem of antibiotic over-use and resistance, the AAP is now recommending physicians not automatically jump to antibiotics for uncomplicated ear infections, especially when a child is not acting ill. Doctors should also treat ear pain effectively and should not be afraid to utilize complimentary and alternative medicine to help treat ear infections.

Dr. Sears comments: While I do use antibiotics when necessary to treat severe ear infections, I am glad to see the AAP support a more judicious use of antibiotics. Click here to read more about ear infections.

Research Shows Acupuncture More Effective to Prevent Migraines Than Medicine Alone
A study of 400 migraine sufferers showed that those who underwent up to 12 acupuncture treatments over a 3 month period had 22 fewer days of headache per year, used less medication and had fewer medical doctor visits compared to patients who did not use acupuncture.

Dr. Sears comments: I believe anyone with migraines who continues to suffer periodically should explore this well-established treatment option.

Fruits and Vegetables Strengthen Pre-teen Girls’ Bones
A study of 56 pre-teen girls showed that those who regularly consume 3 or more servings of fruits and veggies each day have larger and stronger bones. Studies have also shown this to be true in adults. Researchers feel that fruits and veggies decrease calcium loss from bones.

Dr. Sears comments: Click here to read more about how to get more fruits and veggies into your kids.

Cancer-causing Acrylamide Found in More Common Foods
Two years ago Swedish researchers discovered this chemical was present in French fries and other fried or baked potato foods (click here to read original story from April 2002).

Since that time, the FDA has been testing hundreds of foods to check for this chemical. They recently found it in high levels in bottled prune juice, teething biscuits and black olives.

Dr. Sears comments: In our modern society it is almost impossible to completely avoid exposure to cancer-causing compounds on a daily basis. Click here to read more on how you can minimize your risk of cancer through good nutrition. Click here to read how fruits and vegetables can protect you against cancer.