Probiotic Therapy Alleviates Autism-Like Behaviors in Mice

From Science Daily (12/5):

Probiotic Therapy Alleviates Autism-Like Behaviors in Mice

..."Traditional research has studied autism as a genetic disorder and a disorder of the brain, but our work shows that gut bacteria may contribute to ASD-like symptoms in ways that were previously unappreciated," says Professor of Biology Sarkis K. Mazmanian. "Gut physiology appears to have effects on what are currently presumed to be brain functions."....

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131205141900.htm

Katie Couric's discussion on HPV vaccine sparks backlash

Why can't we talk about pluses AND minuses of vaccines??


From Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model) (12/5), The Washington Times (12/5):

Katie Couric's discussion on HPV vaccine sparks backlash

On her talk show, journalist Katie Couric hosted two mothers who said they lost their daughters after they received the human papillomavirus vaccine, as well as Dr. Diane Harper, a lead researcher in the development of HPV vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix. Harper claimed that the vaccine's effectiveness wanes after five years, contradicting CDC data showing no evidence of waning protection. Couric was criticized for offering a platform to the anti-vaccine movement.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-katie-couric-hpv-vaccine-20131204,0,4561911.story#axzz2n7rxZCnU

Healthy food options in schools can improve students' eating habits

From HealthDay News (11/14):

Healthy food options in schools can improve students' eating habits

The introduction of three or more changes in school-nutrition practices and policies was associated with an increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains among students, according to a study of 55 middle schools in Michigan. Students from schools that implemented these changes also had greater intake of fiber, vitamins A and C, and calcium, researchers reported on the website of Childhood Obesity.

http://consumer.healthday.com/kids-health-information-23/education-news-745/schools-can-set-tone-for-healthy-eating-682079.html

Probiotics may curb odds of necrotizing enterocolitis in preemies

The Herald Sun (11/19):

Probiotics may curb odds of necrotizing enterocolitis in preemies

In a study of 1,100 premature infants born in Australia and New Zealand, researchers found that the supplementation of breast milk with probiotic formula was associated with a reduced risk of an inflammatory bowel disorder called necrotizing enterocolitis. "It's the world's biggest study (on necrotizing enterocolitis) and it really puts to sleep the whole question that probiotics can help reduce NEC," said study co-author Suzanne Garland. The findings were published in the journal Pediatrics.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/yoghurt-probiotics-bacteria-could-be-a-life-saver-for-premature-babies/story-fni0fit3-1226762819047

Direct Evidence From the CDC that Vaccines Cause Food Allergies

Direct Evidence From the CDC that Vaccines Cause Food Allergies

Se article via link below:

http://www.thelibertybeacon.com/2013/11/14/direct-evidence-from-the-cdc-that-vaccines-cause-food-allergies/

American Outcomes...help with IVIG approval

Dr. Szakacs and Dr. O'Hara do NOT prescribe IVIG but American Outcomes may be helpful if you are having difficulty with getting IVIG approved. American Outcomes has been helpful to some of our families.

http://www.americanoutcomes.com/

Even low levels of air pollution may raise risk of low birth weight

From Health Day News (10/15):

In a review of 14 studies involving more than 74,000 women, researchers found that all types of air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, were associated with higher risk of having babies with low birth weight and smaller head circumference. For every increase of 5 micrograms per cubic meter in pregnant women's exposure to fine particulate matter, the likelihood of having a low birth weight infant rose by 18%, according to the review published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

http://consumer.healthday.com/respiratory-and-allergy-information-2/air-pollution-health-news-540/briefs-emb-10-14-6-30pmet-air-pollution-birth-weight-lancet-rm-release-batch-969-681073.html

Calpol and asthma

From Mail Online (9/15):

Children who are given Calpol are far more likely to develop asthma, a major study has found. Over the past 50 years the number of children developing asthma in Britain has more than doubled, but experts are divided over the causes.

Calpol is a brand of children's medicine sold in the UK, Ireland, India, Cyprus, Hong Kong and the Philippines. The main product is a paracetamol (called acetaminophen in the United States) suspension. It is usually a coloured syrup with a sweet taste, and is used to treat fever and pain. The Calpol brand was owned by Mark Profad, the president of the company and Paul Knott, his vice president. Calpol also comes in a form containing ibuprofen, marketed under the name Calprofen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calpol

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2421533/Babies-given-Calpol-just-month-times-likely-develop-asthma.html