Study Says Echinacea Won't Help With Colds

Colds... how do you treat them? Not by using Echinacea apparently.  According to a study of more than 700 adults and children suggests the tiniest possible benefit — about a half-day shaved off a weeklong cold and slightly milder symptoms. But that could have occurred by chance.

For most people, the potential to get relief a few hours sooner probably isn't worth the trouble and cost of taking the supplement, researchers said.

To read the rest of the article, click on the link: Study says echinacea won't help with colds

The article also has a good discussion on colds and cold remedies.

Signs of Correct Nursing

• Your baby’s mouth is open wide with lips curled out.
• Her chin and nose are resting against the breast.
• She has taken as much of the areola as possible into his mouth.
• He is suckling rhythmically and deeply, in short bursts separated by pauses.
• You can hear her swallowing regularly.
• Your nipple is comfortable after the first few suckles. 

Signs of Incorrect Nursing

• Your baby’s head is not in line with his body.
• She is sucking on the nipple only, instead of suckling on the areola with the nipple far back in his mouth.
• She is sucking in a light, quick, fluttery manner rather than taking deep, regular suckles.
• His cheeks are puckered inward or you hear clicking noises.
• You don’t hear him swallow regularly after your milk production has increased. 

For more info, visit http://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx

Considering the Consequences of Secondhand Smoke in Children

Smoking is bad for those that smoke, we know that. Adults choose to smoke. The assumption is that they are aware of the risk and consequences.

But have we considered the consequences for the (little) people around smokers? Did you know that secondhand smoke greatly increases a child's chances of developing several invasive bacterial diseases?

That was the findings of a recent article which came from an analysis of 42 studies, most conducted in high-income countries with good vaccination policies. The study also found that the risk of secondhand smoke was found to be especially strong for children 6 years old and younger.

The results suggest that decreasing children's exposure to secondhand smoke could reduce the number of illnesses and deaths caused by these diseases, especially in poor countries with low rates of vaccination against invasive bacterial diseases, according to study author Chien-Chang Lee of the Harvard School of Public Health and fellow researchers.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about secondhand smoke and children.

What is HPV?

HPV or Human Papilloma virus is a common virus spread through sexual contact. Some types can cause cervical cancer in both men and women, or genital warts. The HPV vaccine works to prevent the most common types of HPV that causes cervical cancer and genital warts. Healthcare providers administer HPV as a 3-dose vaccine. 

5 Myths About the Flu

USA Today had a very interesting article that addresses some of the myths associated with the flu. For example, many people believe that the flu shot causes the flu. Bu as the USA Today article points out, "Flu shots tend to be given at a time of year when respiratory viruses are beginning to circulate. So it's only natural that some people will catch a respiratory bug shortly after getting a vaccine."

To read more about these myths, click on the link below:

http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/health/medical/coldflu/2010-11-15-myths-flu_N.htm