Autism risk may be tied to exposure to traffic pollution

From WebMD (11/26):

Children who had high exposure to traffic-related pollutants while in the womb or in their first year of life had a higher risk of autism than those exposed to less traffic pollution, a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry found.

http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20121121/air-pollution-autism-risk

AAP urges less pesticide exposure for children

From MyHealthNewsDaily.com (11/26):


Parents should use the least toxic methods in controlling pests in their homes and gardens to protect their children from too much pesticide exposure, the

AAP said in a report published in the journal Pediatrics on Monday. Eating organic foods as well as washing produce and removing peels can also help lower pesticide exposure for children, the AAP said.

http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/3293-pesticides-children-health-effects-aap.html

Research ties prenatal antibiotic use to childhood asthma risk

From Reuters (11/19):

Children born to mothers who took antibiotics while pregnant had a 17% higher risk of being hospitalized for asthma at age 5 compared with those who weren't
exposed to the drugs, Danish researchers found. The study in the Journal of Pediatrics also showed that children exposed to antibiotics while in the womb were 18% more likely to be prescribed an asthma drug.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/19/us-antibiotics-pregnancy-idUSBRE8AI11G20121119

Fall Newsletter

Our Fall Newsletter is out...

http://ihealthnow.org/information/documents/Newsletter-Fall2012.pdf

Flu during pregnancy and Autism

From The Huffington Post (11/12):

Mothers who reported having influenza or experiencing a prolonged fever during pregnancy were more likely to have children with autism spectrum disorder than those who had not had flu or long-lasting fever

s, Danish researchers found. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, showed that common infections such as respiratory ailments, colds and urinary tract infections were not significantly linked to increased autism risk. Experts cautioned the study results are preliminary.

~ Please note: We feel the flu shot as a live virus vaccine may also be associated with autism spectrum disorder, so we are not recommending the flu shot in pregnant women to prevent the flu.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/12/autism-pregnancy-fever-flu_n_2103386.html

HBOT use for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Are you concerned about Carbon Monoxide Poisoning as a result of using a generator? If so, please contact the office to speak with Dr. O'Hara or Dr. Szakacs to discuss use of the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). HBOT has been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive sequelae.

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa013121

Further evidence indicates smoking during pregnancy harmful to child

From the September 2012 issue of Infectious Diseases in Children:
 
Mothers who smoke during their pregnancies were more likely to have
babies who developed severe bronchiolitis, according to researchers. 

http://www.healio.com/pediatrics/respiratory-infections/news/print/infectious-diseases-in-children/%7B745f8db5-2242-45be-9d8d-8f1a73582eeb%7D/further-evidence-indicates-smoking-during-pregnancy-harmful-to-child

Research looks at student athletes' attitudes toward concussions

From DoctorsLounge.com/HealthDay News (10/23):

More than half of 134 high-school football players who experienced concussion-like symptoms said they failed to seek medical attention for fear of being removed from play, a study found. Although 53% of the respondents noted that they were more aware of concussion signs at present than they were when starting high school, only 38% expressed concerns about the lasting effects of such injuries. The findings were presented at the AAP national conference.

http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/pb/33019

Study finds children with autism at risk for GI problems

From PhysiciansBriefing.com/HealthDay News (9/25) :

Data from the Autism Treatment Network involving 2,973 children with autism spectrum disorder showed that 24% of them were diagnosed with at least one chronic gastrointestinal disorder. The study in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology found that anxiety and sensory over-responsivity were common among those with GI problems.

http://www.physiciansbriefing.com/Article.asp?AID=668900

20 minutes of exercise can boost cognitive function in ADHD

From DoctorsLounge.com/HealthDay News (10/24) :

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who participated in 20 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise showed marked improvements in neurocognitive function and inhibitory control, according to a study in The Journal of Pediatrics. Researchers said that both the ADHD and control groups performed better in reading and arithmetic following the bout of exercise.

http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/pb/33049