Welcome to “Weekly Highlights”, our weekly post that recaps important child health and safety news, research, and recalls from the previous week but also give us an avenue to share some of the other great reads we’ve come across in our internet travels.
In the News:
5 Toxic Chemicals You Should Banish From Your Home -From synthetic pesticides and fragrances to coal tar sealant on your driveway, 5 chemicals you should avoid.
Babysitting Bill in California Legislature - A bill making its way through California’s legislature is likely to kill the babysitting industry for sitters over the age of 18.
Life’s Sweeter with Fewer Sugary Drinks - Major health organizations unite in a campaign to reduce the consumption of soda and other sugary drinks in an effort to reduce rates of obesity and other diet-related diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. Sugary drinks are the single largest source of calories in the American diet and account for half of all added sugars consumed.
Women Getting C-Sections Need Protection From Blood Clots - New advice for pregnant women getting a C-section included in new guidelines from the nation’s obstetricians suggest wearing compression devices on your legs during surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. Similar devices are already used in other major operations, such as hip replacements.
MRSA: Protect Your Kid From a Superbug – 5 things parents should know about MRSA as infections among children have been on the rise in recent years.
New Research:
Toxic Chemical Remains in Dry-Cleaned Clothes
Researchers, led by a 15 year old high school student from Arlington, VA, found that perchloroethylene, a dry cleaning solvent that has been linked to cancer and neurological damage, stays in fabrics and that levels increased with repeat cleanings, particularly in wool. Squares of wool, silk, cotton, and polyester were sewn into the lining of seven identical men’s jackets and then cleaned from one to six times at various cleaners after which the samples were tested. The study raises important questions about how much perc is retained in clothing and then breathed in or absorbed through the skin.
Mom’s Stress is Linked to Baby’s Health
In one of the largest studies to date on the link between prenatal environment and health after birth, a recent study in Denmark concluded that life stress during pregnancy (versus emotional stress) was associated with an increased risk of serious infections in childhood. The study interviewed 60,000 mothers pre- and post-partum and followed their children for at least seven years.
Phthalate DEHP Found to Alter Important Memory System in Male Rats
Exposure to the phthalate DEHP changed brain development in young male rats when exposed during a critical development phase. The male rats formed fewer cells and nerve connections in a memory-related region of their brains. The same exposure did not affect females. This is the first research to connect phthalate exposure at a critical time of development with these effects and highlights the need for further study, particularly for the potential for human impacts.
Good Reads:
I Don’t Love Your Kid from HuffPost Parents -A mother shares her thoughts on misbehaving children.
Dear Whys Guy: “My Husband Needs Child Care Advice!” from Redbook - 4 tips for Dads on caring for a horse…er, young child. A good laugh.
Recalls, August 29 – September 4:
CPSC Child Product Recalls
- Wooden Rattle Recalled by Manhattan Group Due to Choking Hazard
- Pacific Cycle Recalls Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Toys R Us
Child Safety Seat Recalls
No child safety seat recall announcements this week.
USDA/FDA Recalls
- Quaker Oats Issues Voluntary Recall Of Specific 8-Count Quaker Chewy Smashbar Graham Pretzel Snack Bars Due To Undeclared Milk Allergen
- Pure Encapsulations, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Egg Allergen In Prenatal Nutrients
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
