Death by Selfies!
When taking selfies, common sense and caution seem to fly out the window! Last January a teenager in Chennai, India was killed while taking a selfie in front of an oncoming train. At least 49 deaths globally have been reported while taking selfies: drowning in the ocean, falling down stairs, and hit by traffic. No wonder many…
Read MoreAny Alcohol Exposure Places Baby At Risk
A recent clinical report in Pediatrics says, "There is no known absolutely safe quantity, frequency, type, or timing of alcohol consumption during pregnancy," Growing evidence indicates that alcohol-related birth defects and developmental disabilities are completely preventable. It is also likely there are effects from prenatal alcohol exposure that are more subtle than current methods can detect. PositiveTip: There…
Read MoreThe Mighty Soybean
Soyfoods have been the source of much confusion over their safety, especially the phytoestrogens. Today research confirms their safety in humans. While these molecules are structurally similar to estrogens, they act differently in humans and are much weaker. Several servings of soyfoods per day have been found to be safe and beneficial as well.
Read MoreTips to Prevent Heat Stroke
Thinking of taking your fitness routine outside in the summer heat? Here are a few tips to follow for safe exercise in the heat. Drink plenty of water--enough to replace what you lose.. Do it in the cool of the morning, if at all possible Take it slow and easy. Don't push to hard. Wear…
Read MoreIs Multitasking a Myth?
Think you are really good at multitasking? Think again! Researchers tested students' ability to memorize letters and perform math calculations at the same time. The 25% of the students who did the best on the test were the least likely to actually multitask in life. Contrary to these findings, 70% of these students thought that…
Read MoreSupplement Safety
Americans spend more than $28 billion annually on vitamins, minerals, herbals and other "natural" products in the form of dietary supplements. They do this assuming they are safe and effective. The FDA regulation of these products has been rather weak, even though the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act requires manufacturers to present "reseasonable expectation…
Read MoreBoring Playgrounds Reduce Kids Physical Activity
Remember how much fun it was to zoom down that high, shinny slide with the low sides--over and over and over? Now comes a report suggesting that strict safety rules for playground equipment may make them so boring that children lose interest in playing! "Societal priorities for young children--safety and school readiness--may be hindering children's…
Read MoreLove Can Reduce Feelings of Pain
Researchers investigating pain responses found that when women are able to view a picture of their partner, as opposed to photos of an object or a stranger, they experienced a lower perception of pain. The longer the women had been in the loving relationship, the stronger the brain activity where they sensed feelings of safety --…
Read MoreEmpowerment Teens Need (part 2)
More on youth development and the 40 Developmental Assets needed by 12 to 18 year olds, as described by the Search Institute.
Read MoreCribs and Playpens Can Be Deadly
A retrospective analysis of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for children under age 2 treated in emergency rooms from 1990 through 2008 has revealed that more than 80% of injuries involved cribs. One-third of these injuries involved falling. The authors note that about 25 of these occur every day in the USA, and call…
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