Babe Camelia

Babe Camelia

Saturday 28 July 2012

Breast feeding

Childhood physical and sexual abuse may increase risk of early or late onset menarche

Childhood physical and sexual abuse may increase risk of early or late onset menarche

Published on July 28, 2012 Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found an association between childhood physical and sexual abuse and age at menarche. The findings are published online in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Researchers led by corresponding author, Ren-e Boynton-Jarrett, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at BUSM, found a 49 percent increase in risk for early onset menarche (menstrual periods prior to age 11 years) among women who reported childhood sexual abuse compared to those who were not abused. In addition, there was a 50 percent increase in risk for late onset menarche (menstrual periods after age 15 years) among women who reported severe physical abuse in childhood. The participants in the study included 68,505 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study II, a prospective cohort study.

"In our study child abuse was associated with both accelerated and delayed age at menarche and importantly, these associations vary by type of abuse, which suggest that child abuse does not have a homogenous effect on health outcomes," said Boynton-Jarrett. "There is a need for future research to explore characteristics of child abuse that may influence health outcomes including type, timing and severity of abuse, as well as the social context in which the abuse occurs."

Child abuse is associated with a significant health burden over the life course. Early menarche has been associated with risks such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, cancer and depression, while late menarche has been associated with lower bone mineral density and depression. "We need to work toward better understanding how child abuse influences health and translate these research findings into clinical practice and public health strategies to improve the well-being of survivors of child abuse," added Boynton-Jarrett.

Source: Boston University Medical Center http://www.news-medical.net/news/20120728/Childhood-physical-and-sexual-abuse-may-increase-risk-of-early-or-late-onset-menarche.aspx

Simple, five minute saliva test to determine baby's risk for more than 100 life-threatening genetic diseases

Simple, five minute saliva test to determine baby's risk for more than 100 life-threatening genetic diseases

Published on January 22, 2010

Genetic diseases like those seen in the new Harrison Ford movie "Extraordinary Measures" can now be prevented with a simple saliva test which is free with insurance for more than 100 million Americans. The movie centers on the real-life efforts of the Crowleys, a family trying to find a cure for a rare genetic disease affecting two of the family’s three children.

The condition wasn’t detected until after their children were born. Now, couples can take a Universal Genetic Test before pregnancy to determine whether their baby is at risk for more than 100 life-threatening genetic diseases. At-risk couples may then use a well-understood procedure called IVF/PGD to protect their child from genetic disease and ensure a healthy pregnancy. This Universal Genetic Test was invented by scientists and social entrepreneurs from Stanford and Harvard and brought to the public via a Stanford startup named Counsyl (counsyl.com).

As Newsweek recently reported: “What is the secret to improving public health while cutting costs? The question has consumed Washington, but it's being answered elsewhere, by doctors offering a new test for more than 100 rare recessive genes, some of which cause fatal diseases. The test, [offered by] Counsyl, lets potential parents assess their genomes to see if their future kids are at risk. ... This is as preventive as medicine gets: the test could eliminate all single-recessive-gene diseases.”

The test is now offered by physicians at more than 100 prestigious medical centers across the United States, including Yale Fertility Center (see counsyl.com/map), and has attracted the support of prominent academics, bioethicists, religious leaders, families with genetic disease, and doctors from America’s largest hospitals. Broad Support among Prominent Physicians for Universal Genetic Testing Dr. Steven Ory, Past President of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine: "

After 30 years in reproductive medicine, I am more optimistic about this development in genetic disease prevention than I've ever been before. The vast majority of babies born with genetic disease have no family history. That's why it's so critically important for all parents to get the Universal Genetic Test before pregnancy." Dr. Pasquale Patrizio, Director of the Yale Fertility Center: "Every adult of reproductive age needs the Counsyl test. It is unusual in that it benefits all three parts of the health care triad: patients, doctors, and insurers.

A child stricken by preventable genetic disease often dies in infancy and costs the bereaved parents millions in medical bills. A five minute saliva test that prevents this is a money saver, a time saver, and most importantly a life saver; it really is a no-brainer."

Dr. Thomas Walsh, Director of the Male Fertility Laboratory at the University of Washington: "Genetic testing has been recommended for all adults before pregnancy since 2001, but like many topics related to planning a pregnancy, awareness of this issue continues to lag. This test covers several key genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, sickle cell, Tay-Sachs, and many others. The results of testing enable couples to make an informed decision before conceiving a child.”

Dr. John Marshall, Former Chairman of Ob/Gyn at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center: "Because the test can be taken in the privacy of one's home as well as in a clinical setting, it reminds me of the first 'at home pregnancy test'. This 'at home carrier test' is very similar in that the healthy adults who take it generally test negative, with those who test positive referred for medical followup. It thus completely reshapes the debate over so-called direct-to-consumer or 'DTC' testing. Offering this test over the web as well as in a clinical setting is simply a moral imperative, as it is the only way to get needed care to people in rural areas who may be far away from large hospitals."

Dr. Michael Levy, Clinical Professor of Ob/Gyn at Georgetown & Director of IVF at Shady Grove Fertility, America's largest IVF center: "Parents who know their carrier status before pregnancy can take preventive measures to have a healthy child. Because new techniques like PGD are used before pregnancy, they avoid the ethical dilemma of termination that was previously a roadblock to wider adoption of carrier testing." The New Standard of Care at the Nation's Largest Fertility Centers Dr. Angeline Beltsos, Medical Director of the Fertility Centers of Illinois: "Every doctor and patient wants to avoid a high-risk pregnancy. Yet many people don't know that single gene disorders now account for more than 10% of infant deaths. The Universal Genetic Test is the next ultrasound: a non-invasive early warning system for couples to know if their baby is at risk."

Dr. Arthur Wisot, Medical Director of Reproductive Partners Medical Group in Los Angeles: "The Counsyl test is appropriate for everyone trying to conceive because it is the first test that makes it both practical and economical to screen for so many genetic diseases. Couples can now protect their baby from developing any one of over a hundred debilitating and lethal genetic diseases with just a saliva sample. This test is the future of genetic screening."

Dr. Ian Hardy, Medical Director of Fertility Centers of New England: "We have been offering the Counsyl test to our incoming patients as part of their standard evaluation with exceptional results. It is an easy-to-use saliva test which is covered by most insurance plans and allows couples to be screened for both common genetic diseases (like CF, SMA, PKU, and beta thalassemia) as well as dozens of rare conditions."

Dr. Kaylen Silverberg, Medical Director of Texas Fertility: "The Counsyl test replaces a battery of more expensive blood tests. It provides a couple and their physician with much more information for a fraction of the cost. Counsyl testing represents a quantum leap forward in pre-pregnancy planning for couples — especially those concerned about having a child with a genetic disease — as it is safe, affordable, and easy to use."

Dr. Michael Soules, Medical Director of Seattle Reproductive Medicine: "The new Counsyl test is the simplest and most cost-effective way to do genetic screening as it checks for over 100 significant disorders with a single saliva sample. Enlightened insurance carriers are paying for this test as it saves them the major future expenses of covering a chronically sick child." An Advance for Women, Minorities, and Families with Genetic Disease Professor Henry Louis Gates of Harvard University: "As the first genetic test for all ethnic groups, the Counsyl test represents a genuine breakthrough for minority health. With one test for diverse communities, African Americans and Hispanics can benefit from a new technology that actually reduces health care disparities."

Elena Ashkinadze, Program Supervisor in Genetics, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School: "Because Counsyl's test simultaneously covers diseases from many ethnic groups at a considerably lower cost than standard blood tests, it promises to make carrier testing affordable for previously underserved patient populations, including African Americans and Hispanics. The current practice is mostly to screen once a woman gets pregnant. With Counsyl's test, we can change the emphasis to pre-pregnancy screening when more options, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis, are available. Ideally, women should understand that having carrier testing before pregnancy is as important as refraining from alcohol during pregnancy."

 David Brenner, Director of the Dysautonomia Foundation: "As a parent of a child with a genetic disease, I wouldn't want another child to suffer from what my son has endured. Nothing is more important than safeguarding the health of our children, and this test is such a simple and powerful way to prevent terrible suffering." Rabbi David Wolpe of the Sinai Temple in Los Angeles: "Several years ago, a mother whose son was born with Tay-Sachs said to me sadly ‘The Rabbi made sure to tell us not to play Wagner's march at our wedding, but said nothing about being genetically tested.’ Ensuring that Jewish couples — and others — are offered genetic testing is a critical task."

Professor Steven Pinker of Harvard University: "Universal genetic testing can drastically reduce the incidence of genetic diseases, and may very well eliminate many of them." Last year, Professor Pinker took the test with his wife, the novelist Rebecca Goldstein. To raise awareness of preventable genetic disease, they are now publicly announcing for the first time that both of them tested positive as carriers for familial dysautonomia. While they themselves are healthy, their children would have been at risk for this life-threatening genetic disease — underscoring that the value of genetic testing is far from hypothetical.

SOURCE Counsyl

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100122/Simple-five-minute-saliva-test-to-determine-babys-risk-for-more-than-100-life-threatening-genetic-diseases.aspx

A Guide to Your Baby's Sleep and Napping

A Guide to Your Baby's Sleep and Napping Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also called crib death, is puzzling. It has no symptoms or warning signs. Experts don't know exactly what causes it, or why it can strike healthy infants between one and 12 months of age.

What experts do know is that there's a lot you can do to prevent SIDS. We also know that since parents widely began following the steps below, the SIDS rate in the United States has dropped more than 50%. 10 Steps for SIDS Prevention Always put baby to sleep on his or her back, every single time. When babies sleep on their sides or stomachs, their risk for SIDS is very high. So, every time you put baby to sleep -- for naps, at night, or any time -- put your child to sleep on his or her back. Then make sure everyone who takes care of your baby, like grandparents, babysitters, and others, know to use the back sleep position every time. When babies who usually sleep on their backs are suddenly put to sleep on their stomachs, they have a very high risk for SIDS.

If you’re worried your baby might choke while sleeping on his or her back, don't be. Choking is very rare and healthy babies tend to swallow or cough up fluids automatically. Additionally, you can discuss elevating the head of your baby's bed with your pediatrician. Use a firm sleep surface, and keep soft toys and bedding away from baby.

To prevent smothering or suffocation, always put baby to sleep on a firm surface, like a safety-approved mattress with a fitted sheet. Don't include blankets, quilts, pillows, sheepskin, or crib bumpers in baby's crib. Not sure about the safety of your baby's mattress, crib, or bumpers?

Contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 800-638-2772 or www.cpsc.gov.

Don't smoke around your baby. Smoking when you're pregnant is a major risk factor for SIDS, and second-hand smoke around your infant also increases the chances of SIDS. Don't let anyone smoke around your baby.

Have your baby sleep nearby, but not in your bed. When baby sleeps in the same room as mom, studies show it lowers the risk of SIDS. But it's dangerous for a baby to sleep with an adult in the same bed, on an armchair, or on a couch. If you bring baby into your bed for comforting or breastfeeding, be sure to put baby back in his own cradle, bassinet, crib, or co-sleeper (a crib-like bed that attaches to an adult bed) when you're ready to sleep. And never bring the baby to bed with you when you're very tired or using medications that affect your alertness.

Consider breastfeeding. Breastfeeding your baby can lower the risk of SIDS by as much as half, though experts aren't sure why. Some think breast milk may protect babies from infections that increase their SIDS risk.

 Putting baby to sleep with a pacifier may also help prevent SIDS, though researchers aren't sure why. There are a few tips to follow when using a pacifier: If you're breastfeeding, wait until your baby is at least one month before starting to use a pacifier. Introducing a pacifier too soon can lead to nipple confusion, and cause baby to prefer the pacifier's nipple over your own.

Don't force baby to take the pacifier if he or she doesn't want it. Put the pacifier in baby's mouth when you put them down to sleep, but don't put it back in baby's mouth after they fall asleep.

Keep the pacifier clean, and buy a new one if the nipple is damaged. Don't coat the pacifier with honey, alcohol, or any other substance.

Keep baby from overheating. Because overheating may increase a baby's risk of SIDS, dress your infant in light, comfortable clothes for sleeping, and keep the temperature in their room at a level that's comfortable for an adult. If you're worried about baby staying warm, dress them in a "onesie," pajamas that cover arms, legs, hands, and feet. Remember, don't use a blanket, as baby can get tangled in it or pull the blanket over his or her face. Steer clear of products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS. It's best to avoid any product that says it can reduce your baby's risk of SIDS because most aren't proven safe or effective.

 Cardiac monitors and electronic respirators also haven't been proven to reduce SIDS risk, so avoid these, too. Don't give honey to an infant under one year old. Because honey can lead to botulism in very young children, never give honey to a child under one year old. Botulism and the bacteria that cause it may be associated with SIDS.

Remember, your baby's health care provider is always available to answer any questions you have about SIDS, SIDS prevention, and keeping your baby warm, happy, and safe. Immunize your baby. Evidence shows babies who’ve been immunized in accordance with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC have half the risk of SIDS as babies who aren’t fully immunized.

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/sleep-10/sids-prevention?page=2

little mickey

sunflowers

Sunday 8 July 2012

Olympic 2012 Locations Outside London

Olympic 2012 Locations Outside London London Olympics 2012 Venues outside London
http://www.guy-sports.com/olympics/london_olympics_locations.htm