University of California Study Outlines Most Dangerous Ages for Infant and Toddler Accidents
The study examined 23,000 injuries between 1996 and 1998 and showed that accidents are related to developmental abilities of infants:

Between 0 and 3 months the most common injury was falls (or rather, "drops").

Between 3 and 5 months abuse by caregivers was the most common.

Between 6 and 8 months falls from furniture was the most common injury.

Between 9 and 11 months swallowed objects was most common.

Between 12 and 17 months burns from hot liquid or vapor was most common.

Poisoning from medication was the most common injury overall, and this peaked between 18 and 25 months.

The most common age for any injury was between 15 and 17 months.

Dr. Sears comments: As you can see, the most common injuries in each age group seem to correlate with newly achieved developmental milestones. For example, a 10 month old who is just learning to crawl can swallow or choke on coins because of his newly found mobility. Parents should be aware of their infant's up and coming abilities, and stay well ahead of the game. Click here to read more about infant childproofing, and here for more on toddler-proofing your home.

New Respiratory Disease found in U.S. Kids
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands, and has now been found in the United States. The virus causes cough, fever, and wheezing. The symptoms are similar to any other bad chest cold, and there is as of yet no known treatment.

Dr. Sears comments: there is no cause for panic over this new virus as yet. There are several respiratory viruses, such as RSV, the flu, and the common cold viruses, that all cause the same symptoms as hMPV. Basically this discovery simply adds another virus to the list of bad cold viruses.

Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy Affects Infant Behavior and Sperm Counts A small study compared 27 infants whose moms smoked around 6 cigarettes per day throughout their pregnancy to 29 infants whose moms did not smoke. The "smoking" infants were found to be more rigid and irritable and more difficult to console, all signs of a stressed brain. Another study showed that boys whose mothers smoked at least 10 cigarettes a day during pregnancy had lower sperm counts.

CDC Announces Obesity is the Fastest Growing Health Threat in U.S. This announcement comes amid numerous scientific studies highlighting the health risks of child and adult obesity and the growing epidemic.

Dr. Sears comments: you can read about this issue all over the news. Every month we highlight at least one article regarding the epidemic of childhood and adult obesity. This is a serious issue. The British Medical Association is even proposing a 17.5% tax on certain fatty foods, similar to the tobacco taxes in the U.S. Fortune 500 companies, such as Ford and General Mills, are looking into ways to combat this problem which is costing them untold amounts of money. A recent survey showed over half of baby boomers feel they are overweight. A recent Cornell University study of 6 to 12 year olds showed that kids who drank soda or other sugary drinks gained 3 times as much weight over several months compared to kids who drank little or no sugary drinks. A new study by the American Diabetes Association showed obese teenage girls were more likely to have "pre-diabetes", which can progress to adult-type diabetes, compared to obese teenage boys. We pay so much attention to preventing so many diseases, but many are still ignoring this serious "disease". Nutrition has become my biggest passoin in recent years. Click here to read about the LEAN program for better lifelong health.

C-sections May be Safer for Breech Babies, but Not for Moms
A study in Holland of 33,000 breech deliveries between 1995 and 1999 showed that the breech babies who were born by planned C-section were born with fewer immediate health problems and had half the fatality rate when compared to breech babies who were born either vaginally or by emergency C-section (failed attempted vaginal delivery). BUT, it was also pointed out that other studies have shown that the risk for mothers who have C-sections include a much higher rate of maternal death and other problems.

Dr. Sears comments: when deciding whether or not to delivery a breech baby vaginally or by C-section, we must weigh the facts that the C-section seems safer for the baby, but is definately riskier for the mother.

Michigan Teen Who Underwent Stem Cell Infusion After Heart Attack Shows Better-Than-Expected Recovery This teen's heart function has improved significantly greater than what is usually seen after heart attacks. Click here to see past story.

NIH Researchers Successfully Transform Human Stem Cells into Nerve Cells
These results show promising applications for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease.

Dr. Sears comments: I am excited about the possible benefits of stem cell treatments. Click here to read about how to bank your newborn's cord blood stem cells.

Over 1 Million Cosco Arriva and Turnabout Brand Infant Car Seat/Carriers Recalled These combination car seats and infant carriers have been found to have faulty handles that can break or become unlatched. 416 such reports have been received, with 9 injuries caused by infants falling out while the seat was being used as a carrier. These car seats were manufactured between 1997 and 2000, and are no longer being sold.

Dr. Sears comments: I have never been a fan of this type of car seat anyway. This is not the first brand of combo car seat/carrier to be recalled. No one ever thinks that their baby could fall out while being carried, but it can happen to anyone. The safest way to carry a baby is in arms or in a sling-type baby carrier, NOT in a car seat, which are cumbersome and don't give parents as much control over the safety of their baby.

Acrylamide Found to Mutate Mouse Cells
This cancer-causing chemical found in fried potato foods and other foods was found to cause numerous mutations in the DNA of mouse cells. This could explain why it can cause cancer in humans.

Dr. Sears comments: until we know more, I suggest staying away from french fries and potato chips. Read more about this issue in our news stories from January 03
April 2002
and June 2002