Breastfeeding Improvement Initiatives May Increase Risk of Newborn Falls
Newborn falls during the postpartum period are a serious potential adverse event and are almost always a result of maternal fatigue. There is reason to be concerned that well-meaning but overzealous promotion of breastfeeding may increase the risk.
Lotus Birth: No Benefit, Plenty of Risk
The practice of refusing to cut the umbilical cord after delivery of a newborn has no benefit and risks serious infection. A recent case series illustrates the risks of so-called Lotus birth.
Update: More Evidence Supports Delaying School Start Times for Sleep Deprived Teens
Sleep deprivation is a serious health and academic concern for teenagers. A new study adds more support for calls to push back school start times as an effective strategy.
CDC Warns Against Honey Pacifier Use After 4 Texas Infants Develop Botulism
Experts are warning caregivers and healthcare professionals about pacifiers filled with raw honey after four infants in Texas were diagnosed with botulism. They are probably right. And you should probably listen.
The Influence of Kinesiology Tape Color on Athletic Performance: An Actual Published Study…Seriously
Does the color of kinesiology tape effect athletic performance or neuromuscular function? This serious research, published in a legitimate medical journal, asks this non-satirical question. The answer is pretty much what you would expect. No, it doesn't.
A Common Virus Wreaks Uncommon Havoc in a New Jersey Nursing Home for Medically Fragile Children
Ten children have died in the past few weeks as a result of a common viral infection that typically causes mild symptoms. But there is much more to the many adenoviruses than meets the eye.
The Return of the Miscellany of Medical Malarkey Strikes Back
The flu season is upon us, as is the first pediatric death. A polio-like illness is spreading, and experts are baffled. Kids probably shouldn't be around giant spinning metallic blades. Magic tape! You guessed it, another miscellany of medical malarkey has risen from the grave.
Vigorous Chiropractic Adjustment Associated with Potentially Serious Eye Injury
Can vigorous adjustment of the neck cause direct injury to your eye? Probably, but I don't know. This is based on a single case report. Still, I wouldn't take the chance. And why do I keep mentioning dugongs?
A Recent Case Report Highlights Why Skipping the Chickenpox Vaccine is a Bad Idea
Chickenpox is a nasty infection. And though it isn't as deadly as some other vaccine-preventable illnesses, it can cause severe complications even in healthy kids, especially those too young to be vaccinated against it. Ignore anyone who shrugs it off as "no big deal".
Have Researchers Developed a Potential Microbial Miracle for Phenylketonuria Patients?
Researchers specializing in synthetic biology are developing a new therapy for PKU, a potentially devastating metabolic disorder, and they have some promising preliminary human data. But it's just too early to get excited.