Tag Archive for 'vaccines'

Weekly Highlights (2/6/2012)

Published on February 7, 2012 in News. 0 Comments Tags: asthma, Baby, birth control, birth control pill, booster seats, Breastfeeding, bumbleride indie, carpooling, CFLs, change.org, child, childbirth, delivery, discipline, eggs, fluorescent light bulbs, grief, health, home birth, hospital birth, indie twin, light bulbs, listeria, loss, mercury, Michael Foods recall, negative discipline, news, Parenting, Pfizer, physical punishment, positive discipline, Qantas, recalls, research, safety, seizures, spanking, studies, toddler, vaccines.

We hope you had a wonderful weekend! Welcome to 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 & Heather

In the News:

Pfizer Recalls 1 Million Birth Control Pills - In case you missed our notice on Facebook earlier this week, Pfizer recalled 1 million pills due to a packaging mishap. Check the article to see if your pill was affected.

Home Birth Advocate Dies in Child Birth - A home birth advocate passed away after going into cardiac arrest during childbirth bringing into question the safety of home births as their popularity rises. I found this article a really refreshing take on home vs hospital births.

Qantas Flight Grounded by Dirty Diaper – Yes, you read that right. A plane was forced to land and passengers removed by forklift 5 at a time due to a foul odor coming from a dirty diaper stuffed in the airplane toilet.

Senator Wants More Done to Warn of Mercury Hazard in New Light Bulbs - Nebraskan Senator Hulton is concerned that most people aren’t aware of the hazards of compact fluorescent light bulbs in the home. Read the article for info on how to properly handle and dispose of these mercury-containing light bulbs.

New Research:

Why Spanking Doesn’t Work
A new analysis of two decades of research on the long-term effects of physical punishment finds that it doesn’t work and can have serious long-term effects. While it may work in the moment, it leads to increased aggression in children in the longer term and can harm the relationship between parent and child as well as affect a child’s sense of self-worth. Later in life, it’s associated with mental health problems as neurological analysis has found that it can affect brain chemistry.

Parents Cheat on Booster Seats, Despite Safety Risks
A new survey in this week’s Pediatrics found that more than half of parents carpool children other than their own, but they don’t always use booster seats for children who should be in one. Only about half of parents who carpool require their own child to ride in a booster, even when their friends are not. And 21 percent would allow their child to ride boosterless in someone else’s car.

Breastfeeding Tied to Stronger Lungs, Less Asthma
Two new studies out this week on the effect of breastfeeding on lung function: The first followed 1500 UK children from their birth in the mid-1990s and tested for lung function and allergies between the ages of 8 and 14. Two out of the three tests showed that babies who were breastfed by asthmatic moms for at least four months may get more benefit from breastfeeding than babies of asthma-free moms, countering previous studies which suggested asthmatic moms may put their babies at risk with breastfeeding. The second study followed 1000 children in New Zealand and concluded that each month of exclusive breastfeeding was tied to a 9% drop in asthma risk.

Good Reads:

Medical Mysteries: It Wasn’t the Vaccine – So Why Did Baby Have Seizures? from The Washington Post - A fascinating read on one family’s search for an explanation after her baby developed seizures following vaccination.

After Recess: Change the World from The New York Times – An inspirational column on how change.org has changed the landscape for effecting change.

Word! from An Inch of Gray – Touching words on coping with grief and what almost was before the tragic loss of her child in the floods of VA last year. Pray for those who have loved and lost that they will be comforted through such grief and pain.

Recalls, January 31 – February 6:

CPSC Child Product Recalls

Bumbleride Recalls Indie & Indie Twin Strollers Due to Fall Hazard

Consumer Reports also notes a concern with the multi-use bar that could pose a strangulation hazard if improperly used. See their helpful video here.

Weeplay Kids Recalls Infant Bodysuits Due to Choking Hazard

Child Safety Seat Recalls

No child safety seat recall announcements this week.

USDA/FDA Recalls

A number of recalls below are driven by the recall of hard-cooked eggs produced by Michael Foods which have been sold to retail/institutional establishments and may be contaminated with listeria. Be cautious purchasing products containing hard-cooked eggs.

If there’s anything you see and think we should feature, please send it to jasmine@purebebe.com.

Weekly Highlights (1/30/2012)

Published on January 30, 2012 in News. 1 Comment Tags: Adobe, alcohol, Aveeno baby lotion, Aveeno recall, Baby, Britax, Capri Sun, chemicals, child, CPSC, delivery, FDA, Fotoshop, Johnson & Johnson, labor, miscarriage, nanoparticles, news, nurses, Parenting, PFCs, pregnancy, recalls, research, school lunches, science, titanium dioxide, trimester, USDA, vaccines, worms.

Enjoy!
Jasmine & Heather

In the News:

Maker Recalls 2,200 Tubes of Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion - Tubes are being recalled at the retail level in 9 southern states for a particular lot that tested above the required levels of a common staph bacteria. It’s unlikely that many consumers will have the product in their homes, but consumers who may have bought the product can still use it according to J&J. The bacteria is naturally occurring in the environment and on the skin, but if you are concerned, check for lot number 0161LK.

Mom Gives Birth in Car, Dad Films While Driving - Steering wheel in one hand, camera in the other, Dad films while his wife gives birth with a single push on the way to the hospital. The video doesn’t show the labor, but it sounds like it must have been one of the easiest births on the planet.

USDA Issues New Rules for School Lunches - Standards issued by the USDA Wednesday will require fruits and veggies every day, more whole grains, and reduced sodium and fat content. The new rules take effect July 1 and will be phased in over three years.

Horrifying Discovery in Capri Sun - A 10 year old boy began to choke, then pulled a worm out of his mouth. Ewwww! Kraft Food’s statement says it was likely mold, because “Capri Sun products are made without preservatives — a fact many moms like”… How’s that for some spin?

New Research:

Nurses’ Miscarriages Linked to Chemicals at Work
A survey of approximately 7,500 nurses who were pregnant between 1993 and 2002 found that the rate of miscarriage increased from 1 in 10 to 2 in 10 in nurses who worked with chemotherapy drugs or sterilizing agents such as formaldehyde. The survey involved nurses who had experienced a pregnancy between 1993 and 2002. There is room for inaccuracy in the study given that nurses were asked to recall back as far as 8 years, but a more precise follow up study is in the works.

Alcohol in Pregnancy: It’s Never Safe, Especially Not in the First Trimester
New research from scientists at the University of California, San Diego indicates that babies are most vulnerable to the effects of alcohol at the end of the first trimester. The scientists tracked the alcohol and other substances used by almost 1,000 women every three months during pregnancy and found that every drink consumed between the 43rd and 84th days of pregnancy increased the baby’s odds of lower birthweight and birth defects. This reinforces guidelines for avoiding alcohol during pregnancy, especially for women contemplating pregnancy since many aren’t aware they are pregnant until that critical period.

A Measure of Titanium Dioxide
In the first analytical study of titanium dioxide content in consumer products, scientists at Arizona State University found concentrations in personal care products, such as toothpaste and sunscreen ranged from 1 to 10% while foods, such as white candies and doughnuts, contained up to 340 mg per serving. Up to 36% of the titanium found in the foods was in nanoparticle form. More research is needed on the possible health effects, but you can read an informative article on nanoparticles in a prior weekly highlights here.

Common Chemicals Could Make Kids’ Vaccines Less Effective
A recent study suggests, but does not prove, that perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) used in the manufacture of non-stick coatings and stain-resistant fabrics among other household items, may affect the immune system making children more vulnerable to infectious disease. The study found that the antibody response to the tetanus and diphtheria vaccines was weaker in children whose blood contained relatively high levels of PFCs.

Fantastic Finds:

Confession: This Pediatrician is a Sleep Softie - There aren’t that many absolutes when it comes to raising kids.

Just as I Am from How the Hell Did I End Up Here? Amen! A humorous look at the illusions we chase and a reminder that we just need to be ourselves. Love this!

Fotoshop by Adobé - A perfect complement to the article above. Want in on a little secret? Fotoshop - how celebrities get their picture perfect bodies.

Recalls, January 23 – January 30:

CPSC Child Product Recalls

Child Safety Seat Recalls

Britax Recalling 14,220 Child Safety Seats for Safety Harness Straps That Will Not Properly Restrain Child

Britax’s Announcement can be found here

USDA/FDA Recalls

If there’s anything you see and think we should feature, please send it to jasmine@purebebe.com.

Weekly Highlights (10/3/2011)

Published on October 3, 2011 in News. 2 Comments Tags: AAP, Baby, body image, car seat, child, CPSC, disease, early riser, FDA, food, health, immunizations, news, obesity, organization, Parenting, pediatricians, play room, pools, recalls, research, safety, self esteem, shopping cart, sleep, toddler, USDA, vaccinations, vaccines, water fountains, working mom, working mother.

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:

Baby Death From Shopping Cart Accident Serves as Warning - Very tragic. Please, please, please don’t ever place your child in a car seat on top of a grocery cart.

Some Pediatricians Refuse to Treat Unvaccinated Children – Some pediatricians, mine included, are now dropping families from their practice whose children are not vaccinated over concerns that it puts other children at risk. The AAP’s stance, however, encourages educational efforts first.

Illness, Deaths From Listeria-Tainted Cantaloupes Expected to Rise - Recent illnesses and deaths have made the latest listeria outbreak the deadliest food outbreak in the U.S. in decades. The CDC expects more to come because the incubation period for listeria is up to a month or longer. Do not eat cantaloupe unless you know where it’s from. Be especially careful for those with compromised immune systems, including pregnant women.

Junk Food Really Cheaper? - Debunking the myth that junk food is cheaper than real food. Interesting research cited on how eating junk food leads to a craving for more.

New Research:

Babies Can Hear Your Voice & Emotions While They Sleep
In a study of babies, aged three to seven months, researchers monitored the brain patterns of the babies while they slept. When they heard human voices making happy, sad, or neutral sounds, their brains showed patterns similar to how adults respond to the same emotional input when awake.

Early To Sleep, Early To Rise Lowers Obesity Risk For Kids
A study of children’s sleep habits in Australia found that despite getting the same amount of sleep each night, those who stayed up later and slept in later were more likely to be obese. In the sleep study, those who woke up early exercised 27 minutes more and watched 48 minutes less of TV than their late rising counterparts. Good reason to start early in forming good habits with our little ones.

Pools, Play-in Fountains Spread Diarrheal Disease
The CDC reports 134 disease outbreaks associated with recreational water in 2007-2008, a 72% increase from the previous report and largest number ever reported in a 2-year period. Cryptosporidium was the most common culprit, a bacteria that is fairly resistant to chlorine, and the highest risk places for contracting this bacteria are public sprinklers and fountains which often use recirculated water.

How to Get Kids to Eat Healthy Foods
In a study aimed at making school lunchrooms healthier, Cornell University researchers found that putting fruit in a colorful bowl more than doubles fruit sales in schools. The researchers also suggest other changes including smaller cereal bowls, moving chocolate milk behind plain milk, and an express lane for those who choose healthy foods.

Good Reads:

A Beautiful Body from Our Regularly Scheduled Program - A tender, bedtime conversation that captures the essence of a message I plan to share often with my children.

The Perfect Play Haven from IHeartOrganizing - I am in LOVE with this play room. Fantastic ideas for organizing your kids’ toys!

Secrets of an Unflappable Working Mother from RealSimple - 10 surprisingly good tips from a working mom who’s been juggling work & family for years.

International Walk to School Day, Every Day from HuffingtonPost - One mother’s example why we should let go of our fears and take action, if necessary, to provide our children with a safe, positive school environment.

Recalls, September 28 – October 3:

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 (7/30/11)

Published on July 30, 2011 in News. 0 Comments Tags: abuse, antibiotics, arsenic, Baby, cadmium, Casey Anthony, child, children's toys, CPSC, FDA, flame retardants, meningitis, Mott's, orange juice, organic, Parenting, PBDEs, phthalates, pregnant, pregnant women, recalls, stress, toddler, USDA, vaccines.

Welcome to “Weekly Highlights”, a weekend post that will recap important child health and safety news, research, and recalls from the week but also give us an avenue to share some of the other great reads we’ve come across in our internet travels. Happy weekend reading!

In the News:

CPSC Adopts Testing Requirements for Phthalates in Children’s Toys and Child Care Articles – Beginning December 31, 2011, third party testing should begin to ensure compliance with current federal phthalate limits.

What the USDA Doesn’t Want You to Know About Antibiotics and Factory Farms – A summary of recent academic findings addresses the growing problem of antibiotic resistant infections and their link to factory animal farms. Why have we been so slow to follow the lead of other countries? I take that back. I know why – $$$.

Casey Anthony Reportedly Seeking $1.5 Million for First Interview – That woman shouldn’t get a dime!

Americans, Demand Organic! – A new survey out from Thompson Reuters and NPR Health says 58% of Americans in every income range want organic food. Promising news!

FDA tests for Arsenic at US Mott’s plant – In response to last week’s news of arsenic in Mott’s apple products, FDA is collecting and testing samples.

CDC Still Listening to Youth Vaccination Debate – For the first time, the CDC asks for public input over a new meningitis vaccine which has been approved for babies as young as 9 months. Nice to see one government agency listening to the people.

Cadmium Limits Coming – Cadmium limits coming in Canada. EU and 5 US states have recently moved to do the same.

New Research:

Furniture linked to PBDE (flame retardant) levels in pregnant women
A study of pregnant immigrants in California, where flammability standards are the strictest, found increased exposure to PBDEs in the U.S. relative to Mexico and evidence that the source of exposure is furniture in the home. For each year the women lived in the U.S., the level of PBDEs in their blood increased 4%. Higher levels were also found in the women who had 3 or more pieces of furniture in their homes.

A mother’s stress while she is pregnant can have a long-lasting effect on her children’s genes
A study of teens aged 10 to 19 years and their mothers involving a psychological study found that women abused during pregnancy were significantly more likely to have a child with dampened glucocorticoid-receptor gene activity, which is associated with an increased risk of obesity, depression, and auto-immune diseases. These genes relay signals from stress hormones in the blood in the regions of the brain that control behavior.

Good Reads:

The Secret Ingredient in Your Orange Juice from Food Renegade: Industry practice brought to light

Good Old-Fashioned Playtime from Real Simple: 15 ways to bring back the art of fun (without electronics)

5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Kids Do from TED: Video

Recalls, July 23 – 29:

CPSC Child Product Recalls

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

USDA/FDA Recalls

We’d love your feedback! What did you like? If there is anything you’d like us to add or change, we’d love to hear it! Have a lovely weekend! XOXO, Jasmine & Heather

Death of a Hypothesis: No Link Found Between Autism and Vaccines

Published on September 7, 2010 in Health & Safety. 2 Comments Tags: autism, Babies, Dr. Andrew Wakefield, immunizations, Parenting, toddlers, vaccinations, vaccines.

Baby Receiving Rotavirus Vaccine - Courtesy of Dr. Nixon, Flickr

On August 27th this year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a ruling that that there is no link between vaccines and autism. The ruling represented one of 5,000+ cases that have been filed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 claiming “a link between childhood vaccines and autism.” The family that petitioned the court sought compensation on behalf of their 15 month old daughter named Michelle, whom they alleged suffered from various medical conditions, including autism, after receiving the MMR vaccine.

Earlier this year in February, the respected medical journal the Lancet, retracted a 1998 paper largely written by British gastroenterologist Dr. Andrew Wakefield, who made the initial link between the measles, mumps and rubella (“MMR”) vaccine and autism. According to this article, “Wakefield had a case study of eight children who had received the MMR and then developed symptoms of autism.” The Lancet retracted the study because they found that Wakefield acted “dishonestly and irresponsibly.” Wakefield’s questionable research tactics included subjecting children in the study to invasive medical procedures including colonoscopies and MRI scans. He also paid children at his own son’s birthday party to draw their blood for “medical purposes.” Additionally, Wakefield neglected to disclose key facts, including that he had been paid as a consultant by two attorneys that represented parents who believed that their children had been harmed by the MMR vaccine. In May this year, Wakefield was banned from practicing medicine in the United Kingdom.

Since Wakefield’s claim, 18 controlled epidemiological studies have been conducted to investigate the possible connection between autism and vaccines. According to Alison Singer, founder of the Autism Science Foundation, “they have all come back showing the same thing…There is no link between vaccines and autism.”

Because of Wakefield’s autism-vaccine theory, thousands of parents have refused to vaccinate their children in England and across the Unites States. This has led to several outbreaks of disease. Unfortunately, victims of vaccine-preventable disease are in no short supply. You can read about several victims, from infants to teenagers here.

Amy Pisani, Executive Director of Every Child by Two, an advocacy group that’s dedicated to getting every child vaccinated by the age of two, nearly lost her 13 month old son when he came down with the flu. He ended up in the hospital on oxygen and required hourly nebulizer treatments. She says “Parents don’t understand how serious the flu can be. With my friends who have children, some of them do vaccinate; some of them don’t. Some of them think, ‘Well, you know, we’ve all gotten the flu before,’ and then I say, ‘But, 150 children die at least every year of the flu.’ I think many people think that those are children who are very ill to begin with. They don’t realize that they’re children who were perfectly healthy one day, and the next day they go into the hospital and it’s just too late.”

Please leave us a Comment and let us know your thoughts on vaccines!

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References:
CNN, Medical journal retracts study linking autism to vaccine
AAP – American Academy of Pediatrics, Immunizations
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Autism Science Foundation

Tag Archive for 'vaccines'

Weekly Highlights (2/6/2012)

In the News:

New Research:

Good Reads:

Recalls, January 31 – February 6:

Weekly Highlights (1/30/2012)

In the News:

New Research:

Fantastic Finds:

Recalls, January 23 – January 30:

Weekly Highlights (10/3/2011)

In the News:

New Research:

Good Reads:

Recalls, September 28 – October 3:

Weekly Highlights (7/30/11)

In the News:

New Research:

Good Reads:

Recalls, July 23 – 29:

Death of a Hypothesis: No Link Found Between Autism and Vaccines

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