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:
Do Babies with Flat Heads Need Helmets? New guidance from the AAP says perhaps not.
Consumer Reports Study Backs Dr. Oz’s Claim About Arsenic in Apple Juice - Consumer Reports study validates Oz claim; finds arsenic and lead in apple juice at levels exceeding drinking water standards. And while the FDA had blasted Oz for his claims, turns out they were holding on to similar findings from their own testing.
Apple Juice Can Pose a Health Risk – From Calories – Better than worry about what juice is safe, skip the juice and try whole fruits instead.
Top 100 Baby Names of 2011 – BabyCenter.com released its annual list this week, with Aiden and Sophia topping the list.
News Anchor Draws Chicago Ire after Santa Denial – In an opinion segment on evening news (see video in the link), a Chicago anchor says as soon as kids can talk, parents should say “There’s no Santa!” Criticism and an apology have ensued.
Horse: Coming Soon to a Meat Case Near You? The recent spending bill lifted a ban on slaughtering of horses for meat. I may be with PETA on this one. It may be more humane than what is otherwise happening to these animals, but you won’t see me eating it anytime soon.
New Research:
40% of Kids Who Attempt Suicide First Try in Elementary or Middle School
A chilling discovery was made in the process of a study evaluating whether recall of previous suicide attempts was a reliable way of gathering data. Of 883 young adults aged 18 and 19, 78 had tried to commit suicide. 39 of the teens reported multiple attempts, with attempts beginning as early as age 9, the average age of a third grader! Researchers suggest that we should consider suicide prevention programs at younger ages and opening lines of communications providing children with options for letting adults know that they are not doing well.
Cigarettes May Be Useful for Distance Runners?
I’m sure you read the headline and said, what? Well, in actuality, this is a great read about a review study that was put together to show how conclusions can be drawn by selectively using data to support the theory. See the article’s alternative title: “How to prove anything with a review article.” It’s a good read about the dangers of over-interpreting correlations, reminding us to approach research with a skeptical eye.
Good Reads:
7 Foods You Should Never Eat - 7 Foods that notable food experts refuse to eat and their suggested alternatives.
Hilary St. Pierre: A Christmas Miracle - One child’s wish for his cancer-stricken mother. God and Santa grant miracles.
12 Unique Etsy Gifts for Babies - Some adorable and natural gifts on the list.
Recalls, December 1 – December 5:
CPSC Child Product Recalls
Child Safety Seat Recalls
No child safety seat recall announcements this week.
USDA/FDA Recalls
- Golden Glen Creamery Issues Voluntary Recall Of Butter Because Of Possible Health Risk
- Krasdale Foods Inc. Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Almonds In Krasdale Crispy Honey Oats and Flakes
- Flowers Foods Pulls Nature’s Own Butterbread Off Store Shelves in Certain Floriday and Southeast Georgia Counties
- Front Row Produce Recalls Grape Tomatoes Because Of Possible Health Risk
- California Firm Recalls Pureed Chicken Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen
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
