September 2006 | Page 3 of 6

Obesity :: Overweight in Early Childhood Increases Chances for Obesity at Age 12

Children who are overweight as toddlers or preschoolers are more likely to be overweight or obese in early adolescence, report researchers in a collaborative study by the NIH and several academic institutions. The researchers periodically collected height and weight measurements of a sample of children, beginning at age 2 and continuing until age 12. Their analysis, appearing in the September Pediatrics, provides some of the strongest evidence to date that overweight in early childhood increase the chances for overweight in later life.

Heart Disease :: Warning symptoms often herald sudden cardiac problems

Cardiac arrest is often preceded by symptoms lasting for more than an hour, and usually occurs in cases with a known history of heart disease or risk factors, German investigators report. These findings refute the theory that sudden cardiac death occurs at random in apparently healthy or low-risk patients, the authors say.

Health :: Parents’ empty-nest emotions can be eased

For parents of college freshmen, this time of year can be unsettling, even traumatic, as their sons or daughters leave home. “Parents can expect some transition and a range of emotions regardless of which child is going off to college,” Mark Thompson, director of Colgate University’s Counseling and Psychological Services in Hamilton, New York.

Pregnancy :: Pregnancy risky after heart defect repair

New data suggests that women who have undergone a successful surgery to repair congenital heart defects can become pregnant, but they may have clinically significant complications. Until recently, pregnancy was discouraged in women who have undergone the so-called “Fontan operation” to correct complex birth defects of the heart. However, case reports and one clinical study suggest that women can become pregnant and deliver healthy infants.

Health :: Reduce Methamphetamine Abuse

New research supported in part by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, shows that prevention programs conducted in middle school can reduce methamphetamine abuse among rural adolescents years later. Because methamphetamine addiction leads to problems with social interactions and a wide range of medical conditions, research into early interventions such as this is critical to protecting the nation?s youth. The paper is published in the September issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

Autism :: Older Fathers More Likely to Have Autistic Children

The risk of developing autism is significantly higher among children born to men who are 40 and older than it is among children with fathers under 30, researchers report. The reason appears to be genetic, researchers suggest.

Kidney Stones :: Orange Juice Best at Stopping Kidney Stones

It outperformed lemonade and other citrus juices, study found. An independent study finds that orange juice beats lemonade and other citrus fruit juices in helping to keep kidney stones at bay.

Health :: Outdoor Cooking – Stay on the Safe Side

Some easy precautions can make your holiday fun — and worry-free. For many Americans, Labor Day marks the grand finale to the outdoor cooking season. But an increasing number of people — about half — say they cook outdoors year round, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Health :: Keep Your Child Safe on the Bus

Here’s how to prevent accidents – Most school systems have safety rules and regulations to help prevent bus-related accidents on the way to or from school. When accidents do happen, most occur while children are waiting, entering or exiting the bus. Here are some suggestions to help keep your child safe, courtesy of the National Safety Belt Coalition:

Hearing Loss :: Hormone therapy tied to hearing loss in older women

The hormone progestin, as a component of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) following menopause, appears to exacerbate deficits in hearing sensitivity and auditory speech processing, according to a research team at the Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York.