Tag Archive for 'breast cancer'

Weekly Highlights (1/23/2012)

Published on January 23, 2012 in News. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! My apologies for missing the highlights last week. January is a hectic month for me, so after work and family there hasn’t been much time left over. Because we missed last week, you’ll see a little more in this week’s highlights, our weekly post that recaps important child health and safety news, research, and recalls from the previous week and other great finds we’ve come across in our internet travels.

Enjoy!
Jasmine

In the News:

Mom Claims in Viral Blog That Disabled Child Denied Transplant – Given patient confidentiality laws, it’s not possible to have the whole story, but I sincerely hope this child is able to get the kidney she will need. Heartbreaking.

FDA Halts Imports of Orange Juice: Is It Safe to Drink? - The FDA has halted all imports of orange juice after The Coca Cola Company, maker of Minute Maid and Simply Orange, notified that some Brazilian growers had sprayed their trees with a fungicide that is illegal in the U.S. The FDA is not issuing a recall citing no safety concerns over consumption at low levels, but they are now inspecting all imported juices.

A Specialists’ Debate on Autism Has Many Worried Observers - The standard reference manual for mental disorders is under revision, and many are worried that changes in the definition of autism, aspergers, and other disorders may limit or take away services available to those who currently qualify.

Connecticut Lawmakers Consider Ban on Flame Retardants in Baby Products -  Citing a new report which found flame retardants in 17 of 20 baby products, Connecticut lawmakers consider ban.

LEGO Petitioned to Stop Gender-Based Marketing - After LEGO introduced a girlified version of LEGOs for girls featuring taller, skinnier, more accessory-friendly characters, backlash ensues with a petition to end gender-based marketing. My girls happily play with the standard LEGOs, as I’m sure do many others. This is the last thing our girls need. Sign the petition, if you like, here. The petition has reached almost 50,000.

New Research:

Babies Learn to Talk by Reading Lips
Ever noticed your baby studying your mouth when you speak? New research suggests that babies’ attention focuses on the mouth between about 6-12 months as they turn their attention to speech development in order to learn how to shape their lips and form sounds. Around the age of 1, their gaze comes back to the eyes, unless they are learning a foreign language in which case they will continue to focus on the mouth. Fascinating!

Parabens Found in 99% of Breast Cancer Tumors
A study of breast cancer tissue samples taken from 40 women undergoing mastectomies between 2005 and 2008 in England found that 99% of the samples contained at least one paraben and 60% of samples contained five. The study does not draw conclusions about cause and effect but does highlight the need for further study.

Plasticizer (Phthalate) Increases Miscarriage Risk
In the first study to examine phthalate exposure and miscarriage in humans, scientists in Denmark found that women exposed near the time of conception to relatively common levels of a particular phthalate are more likely to experience early miscarriage compared to women with lower exposures. Only exposures around conception, and not in the prior month, were linked to miscarriage. Couples attempting to get pregnant between 1992 and 1994 contributed urine samples, and scientists tested samples taken shortly before ovulation for phthalate levels and after ovulation for confirmed pregnancies and losses. The samples were tested in 2009?? Regardless, further research is necessary to confirm the conclusions, but animal/rodent studies have shown similar associations.

Eating Mercury-Tainted Fish Affects Stress Hormones in Children
A new study of 100 children, aged 9 to 11, found that higher mercury levels in the children’s blood was significantly associated with lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is released in response to stress and is important for metabolism, immune responses, and blood pressure. Lower cortisol levels and responses can contribute to chronic stress. The children’s fish eating habits were monitored, and the fish eaters had almost three times higher the level of mercury of the non-fish eaters. Consider this guide to fish and mercury levels from the Natural Resources Defense Council for limiting your child’s mercury consumption.

Fantastic Finds:

Baby Sleep Positions from Howtobeadad.com – Too funny. Booby trap, H is for Hell, and Snow Angels are familiar territory in our home. How about you?

Friendly Fire from Momastery.com - I can’t get enough of Glennon Melton. She is one amazing woman, and I wish I could shout this message from the rooftops. Every woman should read this!

The Never Before Told, Super Secret Ingredient for Raising an Amazing Daughter from Lisa Kaplin at BuffaloGrovePatch - Be the woman you want your daughter to be. Well said.

Recalls, January 10 – January 22:

CPSC Child Product Recalls

Child Safety Seat Recalls

No child safety seat recall announcements this week.

USDA/FDA Recalls

If there’s anything you see and think we should feature, please send it our way to jasmine@purebebe.com. We hope your week is off to a great start!

XOXO, Jasmine & Heather

Weekly Highlights (12/12/2011)

Published on December 12, 2011 in News. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Welcome to “Weekly Highlights”, our weekly post that recaps important child health and safety news, research, and recalls from the previous week and other great reads we’ve come across in our internet travels.

In the News:

FDA Agrees to Determine Safety of BPA - Well, sort of. In response to a lawsuit, they’ve agreed to decide by March 31, 2012 whether to ban BPA in food packaging. They may very well decide not to ban BPA, and nothing much will have changed.

NICVIEW Gives Parents a Virtual Window to Newborns in NICU - Webcams installed in NICUs allow family to keep watch. What a wonderful implementation of technology.

Some News Guests Paid to Promote Products on Air - The next time you see an “expert review” news segment touting the latest products in children’s safety, for example, keep in mind that you may just be watching a commercial in disguise. Despite being illegal, “Safety Mom” Alison Rhodes admits to being paid for her recommendations by the companies whose products she plugs.

New Research:

Scientific Panel Finds Few Clear Environmental Links to Breast Cancer
At the request of Susan G. Komen For the Cure, a panel of scientific experts reviewed research on environmental risks and possible links to breast cancer. Their report released this week, however, makes only a few firm recommendations, one of which includes minimizing radiation from medical tests during childhood. Two or three abdominal CT scans give as much radiation as atomic bomb survivors received. Yikes! The review was unable to draw conclusive links in other areas such as BPA, but the link above gives a good summary of the results of the study.

Children’s Cereal: More Sugar Than a Twinkie
The EWG has released a new report which analyzed the nutrition in 84 popular cereals and found that you might as well serve most of them for dessert. The worst offender, Kellogg’s Honey Smacks, packs more sugar than a Hostess Twinkie, coming in at 56% sugar by weight. The same serving of 44 other popular cereals, including Honey Nut Cheerios, has more sugar than three Chips Ahoy! Cookies. While sugar was the top problem, many also contain too much sodium or fat or not enough whole grain.

The Anatomy of a Temper Tantrum
Researchers at the University of Connecticut have deconstructed the toddler temper tantrum and determined that most tantrums follow a similar pattern and rhythm. Based on audio recordings of toddler tantrums, they found that sadness tends to occur throughout a tantrum with peaks of anger in the form of yelling and screaming. The researchers suggest that the trick to ending a tantrum is to get the child past the anger, where only sadness remains and children begin to look for comfort. The quickest way to do that, they say, is to do nothing. Easier said than done, of course.

Good Reads & Videos:

 

The Coat: A short animated video of one child who gives selflessly to another. A great illustration of charity for little ones.

Chemicals In Your Child’s Car Seat from The Car Seat Lady - An excellent read on the issues/limitations of HealthyStuff.org’s study on flame retardants and other chemicals in childrens’ car seats that was released earlier this summer.

Recalls, December 6 – December 12:

CPSC Child Product Recalls

Child Safety Seat Recalls

No child safety seat recall announcements this week.

USDA/FDA Recalls

If there’s anything you see and think we should feature, please send it our way to jasmine@purebebe.com. We hope your week is off to a great start!

XOXO,

Jasmine & Heather

What is Your Vitamin D ‘Number?’

Published on December 8, 2011 in Breastfeeding, Food, Health & Safety and Skincare. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

A few months ago I went to the Dr. to have some blood work done. My doctor wanted a “full workup” since I was expecting my third child. About a month later, during my next appointment, the nurse told me that I was one of the first pregnant women that they had tested in a while who had normal vitamin D levels. When I asked what my level was, they told me 34.3.

Although I tested within what the general medical community would define as the “normal” range (30-70), I was disappointed. I had been going to a holistic pharmacist who had me on 5,000IUs a day. But when I found out I was expecting, I wasn’t sure how this would affect the baby and cut back to what was provided in my natal vitamin, plus an extra 1000IUs. It also didn’t make me feel any better to hear my nurse tell me that her number was 6 when tested, so that my 34.3 was “really good.” Seriously, I was concerned for her health if her vitamin D was a mere 6, and I was concerned about all of the other pregnant women walking around deficient in vitamin D.

I recently called my holistic pharmacist because I couldn’t remember what range he had suggested. He told me that recent studies have shown that a range of 50-70 is “normal,” and that 60 would be optimal for most people.

What is vitamin D?
According to the NIH, “Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in very few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. It is also produced endogenously when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis.”

And as we all know, no one is getting enough sunlight these days, especially throughout the winter months.

Why does my body need vitamin D?
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is needed for bone growth and overall bone health, and helps prevent osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children. According to the NIH, laboratory and animal studies suggest that vitamin D could help prevent colon, prostate and breast cancers. Additionally, “a growing body of research suggests that vitamin D might play some role in the prevention and treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, multiple sclerosis, and other medical conditions.” In fact, studies have shown that taking vitamin D seems to reduce women’s risk of getting Multiple Sclerosis by up to 40%!

What about my exclusively breastfed baby, who doesn’t get vitamin D from the sun or other food sources?
The NIH also states that “Prolonged exclusive breastfeeding without the AAP-recommended vitamin D supplementation is a significant cause of rickets, particularly in dark-skinned infants breastfed by mothers who are not vitamin D replete.” In other words, if you exclusively breastfeed your baby, you should discuss adding a daily vitamin D liquid vitamin to your infant’s breastmilk. We gave D Vi Sol, a vitamin D supplement, to both of our girls while they were exclusively breastfed, to prevent rickets.

So how do you find out your (or your child’s) vitamin D level, you ask?
Quite simple, really. The next time you to go to the doctor, ask for a blood test. It takes less than 5 minutes.

-Have you had your vitamin D levels checked recently?
-Are you currently taking a vitamin D supplement?

References:
Chlebowski RT, Johnson KC, Kooperberg C, Pettinger M, Wactawski-Wende J, Rohan T, Rossouw J, Lane D, O’Sullivan MJ, Yasmeen S, Hiatt RA, Shikany JM, Vitolins M, Khandekar J, Hubbell FA; Women’s Health Initiative Investigators. Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and the risk of breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008 Nov 19;100(22):1581-91.

Garland CF, Gorham ED, Mohr SB, et al. Vitamin D and prevention of breast cancer: pooled analysis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2007;103:708-711.

Lappe JM, Travers-Gustafson D, Davies KM, et al. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of a randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2007; 85:1586-1591.

Medline Plus: Vitamin D

Weekly Highlights (10/18/2011)

Published on October 18, 2011 in News. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Welcome to “Weekly Highlights”, our weekly post that recaps important child health and safety news, research, and recalls from the previous week and other great reads we’ve come across in our internet travels.

In the News:

Outrage in China After Toddler Run Over & Ignored - I can’t even watch the video included with the news story after the description I received from my husband. A small child was run over not once, but twice, by two separate vehicles in hit-and-runs and meanwhile passersby walked around her body. Fortunately for the child, a homeless woman comes to her aid, yet the child now lies in critical condition in the hospital. It’s absolutely horrifying, infuriating, and unfathomable.

Record Number of Booster Seats Earn Highest Rating from IIHS - A record 31 seats have been designated Best Bets this year, meaning that they position a seat belt on a typical 4 to 8 year old in just about any car. Notable this year – All five seats made by one manufacturer, Canadian-based Harmony Juvenile Products, made the Best Bet list as did an inflatable seat, the BubbleBum, marketed for vacations, car pools, and taxis.

Target commits to 100% sustainable, traceable fish by 2015 - Target is partnering with a nonprofit marine conservation group to identify and sell only sustainable, traceable fish by 2015. This will be no easy feat. I’m really excited to see them taking this step and hope it encourages other grocers to do the same.

Flame Retardant Added to California’s List of Cancer Causing Chemicals – The flame retardant, Chlorinated Tris (TDCPP), recently found to be present in many baby products, was added last week to California’s Proposition 65 list of cancer-causing chemicals. The listing will not ban the chemical but could result in labeling of products containing the chemical.

FDA Petitioned by American Chemistry Council to Ban BPA in Baby Bottles and Sippy Cups - The American Chemistry Council has petitioned the FDA to ban BPA in bottles and sippy cups, noting that in many cases manufacturers have phased out BPA due to consumer demand and that a nationwide ban would ensure consistency and allow states to focus their legislative energies elsewhere. The FDA has not confirmed it will issue a regulation yet but it will issue a notice for comment. The EWG, on the other hand, is asking the FDA to extend the ban to baby formula and other canned goods. Not holding my breath on that one just yet.

New Research:

Have Penn State Researchers Found the Cure for Breast Cancer?!
Incredibly promising news came from Penn State this week as scientists there discovered a virus that kills breast cancer cells. The researchers applied the virus to three different breast cancer cell groups, representing three different stages of development, and the virus managed to kill 100% of the cells. In a particularly aggressive type of cancer cell, it took three weeks to kill 100% of the cells, but in the others it took only 7. The virus has also been successful against other types of cancer cells, including prostate and skin cancer. It currently works in a culture dish and in mice, but further animal trials and then human trials are needed before it can be considered for human treatment. Penn State is now stepping up its efforts to find the money to fund further research. 

Environmental Chemicals May be an Obstacle for Infertile Couples
New research has turned up evidence of a link between endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment and poor IVF outcomes. These chemicals disrupt a woman’s estrogen, making it more difficult to get pregnant. Higher blood levels of pollutants such as bisphenol A (BPA), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) have been found in mothers with failed IVF attempts, according to a handful of recent studies. In the studies, high levels of PCBs and HCB were associated with failed implantation, and high levels of BPA were associated with low levels of a particular form of estrogen instrumental in the development of eggs. More research is needed to determine if the results could be generalized beyond couples undergoing IVF.

Good Reads (or vids):

Notes from a Dragon Mom from The NY Times Sunday Review - Absolutely heartbreaking, yet inspirational.

Bully-Proofing Your Kids from CNN Living - Things we can start now with our young children to help them navigate the later years.

20 Tips for Using Baking Soda Around Your House from The Huffington Post - I’ve used baking soda for stain and odor elimination with good results but was surprised by some of the others on the list.

Recalls, October 11 – October 18:

CPSC Child Product Recalls

Child Safety Seat Recalls
No child safety seat recall announcements this week.

USDA/FDA Recalls

If there’s anything you see and think we should feature, please send it our way to jasmine@purebebe.com. We hope your week is off to a great start! XOXO, Jasmine & Heather

Weekly Highlights (9/19/11)

Published on September 19, 2011 in News. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Welcome to “Weekly Highlights”, our weekly post that recaps important child health and safety news, research, and recalls from the previous week and other great reads we’ve come across in our internet travels.

In the News:

In Pittsburgh, Public Art Doubles as a Sanctuary for Breast-Feeding Moms - The “milk truck”, a converted ice cream truck complete with a 3 ft fiberglass boob on top created as part of an art exhibition, will make its rounds in Pittsburgh providing a place for women to breastfeed and pump.

Remote Controls Aren’t Toys: Lithium Batteries Prove Deadly to Kids - Kids love adult electronic devices, but unfortunately, most do not have child-resistant battery compartments. In 2010, 3,400 children swallowed lithium batteries, and the number of critical injuries has quadrupled in the past five years. One mom shares her story.

One Sperm Donor, 150 Offspring - Websites connecting donor siblings are highlighting concerns about ethics and regulation in the fertility industry. There is no limit on how many children a donor can father in the U.S., and some are finding they have 50, 70, or 100+ raising concerns over incomplete health history, spread of genetic diseases, accidental incest between donor siblings, to name a few.

Judge Blocks Florida Law Curbing Doctors’ Questions About Guns - A federal judge in Florida blocked a state law that would have prevented doctors from asking about guns in the home and discussing the risks with their patients.

New Research:

BPA, Methylparaben Block Breast Cancer Drugs
In a study performed by researchers in California, BPA and methylparaben not only caused noncancerous breast cancer cells to start behaving like cancer cells, but they also interfered with the treatment. When tamoxifen, a drug designed to prevent or treat cancer, was introduced to cells exposed to the two chemicals, they continued to grow.

IUDs Lower Cervical Cancer Risk
For reasons that aren’t fully understood, IUDs have been associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer. In a study funded by the WHO and several other government and philanthropic organizations, an analysis of data from 20,000 women from around the world found that women who use IUDs are roughly half as likely to develop cervical cancer as women who have never used one.  An editorial accompanying the study notes, however, that HPV testing and Pap smears already reduce risk by 80 to 90%.

Antidepressants Associated with Autism
Mothers who took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – the most commonly prescribed antidepressants – during the year before delivery or during the first trimester of pregnancy were at increased risk to have a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The risk of autism doubled in those whose mothers took SSRIs during the year before pregnancy and quadrupled for those who took them during the first trimester of pregnancy. This study provides the first look at the relationship between SSRI use and autism risk.

More Accidental Drug Poisonings in Children
The growing use of prescription drugs by adults has led to more accidental drug poisonings in children. A review of national poison control data on children under 5 who visited the ER between 2001 and 2008 for accidental drug poisoning found that the number of poisonings increased 22 percent over the time period. The authors of the study said the best solution would be to design new packages for both adult and pediatric drugs that would not only be difficult to open but also make it more difficult for a young child to ingest large quantities.

Back Off, Mom. Parents Who Hover Impede Kids’ Activity
Researchers observing how children play in parks found that children whose parents hung around monitoring them closely were only about half as likely to engage in high levels of physical activity as kids whose parents granted more freedom. The study was intended to help park designers create parks that better entice kids to run around and play, but the researchers found some interesting things along the way.

Good Reads:

A Very Personal and Important Message from Confessions of a Dr. Mom - A personal plea to drivers everywhere to put down your cell phones.

The 5 Saltiest Meals of 2011 at FoodFacts.com - The sodium equivalents are mind-boggling. Makes you think twice about what might be on your restaurant plate.

Recalls, September 13 – September 19:

CPSC Child Product Recalls

Child Safety Seat Recalls
No child safety seat recall announcements this week.

USDA/FDA Recalls

We’d love your feedback! If there is anything you’d like us to add or change, we’d love to hear it! If there’s anything you see and think we should feature, please send it our way to purebebeblog@gmail.com. We hope your week is off to a great start!

XOXO,

Jasmine & Heather

Sharing Buttons by Linksku