Tag Archive for: Children

MEASURING THE RISKS OF EARLY-LIFE SUGAR INTAKE

We know that early life nutrition is linked to adult health and a recently published study seems to confirm this by demonstrating a link to dementia and depression as we age.

Leveraging the UK’s historical sugar rationing as a natural experiment, the U.K. Biobank set out to examine whether early-life sugar restriction reduces the risk of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders in later late.

Among 60,394 UK Biobank participants (born 1951-1956) three groups were established to study the effects of sugar and varying amounts in the diet.

Three groups were defined:

  • in-utero only
  • in- utero plus 2 years
  • non-(sugar) rationed control groups

When compared with non-rationed individuals, those exposed to sugar restriction during the first 1000 days after conception showed a significantly lower risk of all-cause dementia (by 27%), Alzheimer’s Disease (46%), depression (11%) and anxiety (20%).

The study showed that when post-natal restriction of sugar extended beyond 6 months of age, the relationship between the dose amount and the biological response revealed stronger protection against depression and anxiety.

When the results were “sex-stratified” the results showed that women had consistent protective effects from Alhzeimer’s, depression and anxiety. In addition, neuroimaging revealed slower brain aging and other declines in brain function.

These quasi-experimental findings suggest that early-life sugar restriction is associated with attenuated neurobiological aging and lower risks of dementia and psychiatric disorders, highlighting sugar intake as a potential modifiable factor of lifelong brain health.

THE HEPATITIS B VACCINE – LA COUNTY TAKES A STAND

In December of last year the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health rejected the U.S Center’s for Disease Control’s vaccine advisory committee recommendation that the Hepatitis B vaccine be removed from the recommended list of vaccines for newborns.

The county’s Department of Public Health criticized the CDS’s decision and described it as a “return to selective, risk based newborn vaccination,” which officials argued was “not based on new evidence suggesting that the hepatitis vaccine birth dose is unsafe or ineffective.” County health officials further noted that because of its use, Hepatitis B infections are extremely rare, recording only one case in the past 5 years.

Infants infected with hepatitis B at birth can face a high risk of lifelong consequences. Up to 90% develop chronic hepatitis B compared with 5=10% of adults and at least 25% die prematurely from cirrhosis or hepatocellular cancer – which can be prevented when early immunization is reliably delivered.

Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and chair emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, criticized the CDC’s decision as “reckless and dangerous.” She went on to say that “this decision will also disproportionally impact the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community who make up 7% of the U.S. population, yet account for 60% of chronic hepatitis B cases. Abandoning this standard will reverse decades of progress and widen racial health disparities that we have spent generations trying to close.“

As things stand, the LA County Department of Public Health will continue to adhere to its recommendation of the vaccine, stating that the hepatitis B vaccine is safe and has been a cornerstone of perinatal hepatitis B prevention in the U.S. for over 3 decades.

As always, Save a Little Life™ strongly encourages new parents to speak with their pediatricians regarding the safety of vaccines and their use for newborns.

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IS THE REVISED VACCINE SCHEDULE IN EFFECT YET?

In January, President Trump and the head of Health & Human Resources, Director

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued a proposal for a revision of the vaccine schedule for infants and children. Rather than following the standard ACIP evidence-review cycle, the 2026 federal immunization schedule was developed through a separate assessment commissioned at the executive level.

Despite the fact that the schedule of the (AAP) American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend vaccines protecting children against 18 specific diseases, maintaining the full scope of immunization guidance that pediatricians have relied upon for decades, under the new federal framework the number of vaccines recommended for all U.S. children was reduced from 18 diseases to 11.

Subsequent executive orders further urged separating combination shots (like MMR) into individual visits when feasible, though major medical associations continue backing comprehensive guidelines.

The proposal cites a need to bring U.S. vaccine rates in line with “peer nations” and points to Denmark as an example.

Scientists, however, disagree, arguing that:

  • Denmark is an outlier in that is has a small homogenous population (6 million) and a highly centralized system where monitoring disease outbreaks are much different so the comparison of the two nations is without merit and is not logical
  • Conditions in the U.S. are uniquely different than those of the wealthier nations (Canada, the UK, Western and northern Europe (Sweden, Finland, Denmark)
  • These countries all have centralized healthcare systems that guarantee universal access to care throughout life and monitor illnesses differently

Shows a young girl wearing glasses dressed as a nurse. She is holding a magnifying glass in one hand and a plastic play syringe in the other.

There are 18 diseases included in the current vaccine schedule. Seven of them have been eliminated from the proposed revision. (See Numbers 12-18 )

  1. Diphtheria – A serious bacterial infection affecting the mucous membranes of the throat and nose.
  2. Tetanus (Lockjaw) – A severe bacterial disease causing painful muscle spasms.
  3. Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – A highly contagious respiratory tract infection.
  4. Polio – A disabling and life-threatening viral disease that can cause paralysis.
  5. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease – A bacterium that can cause severe illness, including meningitis and pneumonia.
  6. Pneumococcal disease – Infections caused by bacteria leading to pneumonia, blood infections, or meningitis.
  7. Measles – A highly contagious viral infection characterized by a generalized rash and high fever.
  8. Mumps – A viral infection affecting the salivary glands.
  9. Rubella (German Measles) – A contagious viral disease marked by a distinctive red rash.
  10. Varicella (Chickenpox) – A highly contagious viral disease causing an itchy, blister-like rash.
  11. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – A common sexually transmitted virus linked to multiple cancers.
  12. Influenza (Flu) – A common seasonal viral respiratory illness.
  13. Hepatitis A – A contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus.
  14. Hepatitis B – A serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.
  15. Rotavirus – A contagious virus causing severe watery diarrhea and vomiting in infants.
  16. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) – A common virus causing respiratory tract infections, particularly severe in infants.
  17. COVID-19 – Respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
  18. Meningococcal disease – Severe bacterial infections causing meningitis or blood infections

Shows a nurse administering a shot to a baby who is being held in its mother's arms.

There is no data that shows that spacing the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines is beneficial. And there are those who strongly believe that the space in-between these vaccines would place more children at risk during these delayed periods.

Much of the debate is centered on the notion that vaccines are responsible for our national rates of autism. In case parents are unaware of the alleged connection, it is important to acknowledge that the “study” which supposedly makes the link between certain vaccines and autism was based on a 1988 article in the British medical journal The Lancet. That study, which was based on findings from 12 children – was thoroughly discredited and its principle author lost his medical license due to allegations of serious medical misconduct (our emphasis).

The incidence of autism is now around one in every one hundred children in the U.S.

Some medical experts and environmental scientists are of the belief that elevated exposure to a variety of environmental toxins including micro-plastics, food additives, chemical pollutants and even unsuspected viruses or organisms can genetically affect susceptible children.

The truth is that we really do not know for sure.

Without a doubt, the incidence of autism is a genuine and growing issue of concern, but it requires real science conducted by real experts to establish what the best and safest choices are for parents.

As of July 2026, the federal recommendations have been “stayed” by a federal judge, and the CDC is recommending its 2025 guidance that includes 18 diseases. What this means is that the established schedule remains in place while the courts resolve the matter.

The best policy is to talk honestly with your pediatricians. Sharing information results in informed decisions. That is how we arrive at the best plan for keeping our little ones as safe as possible while protecting them from infectious diseases.

 

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PEDIATRIC CPR GUIDELINES UPDATE

A coordinated effort between the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association has produced new CPR and airway obstruction guidelines which went into effect towards the end of 2025. This is an important update and one all families should be aware of.

CHANGES FOR INFANT CPR

The use of two or three fingers on the chest for compressions is no longer in effect. It is now recommended that the rescuer use the palm of their hand between the nipples (as before), 

or alternatively, the two-thumb encircling hands technique.

We still need to move the infant chest at least 1/3 of its depth or about 1.5 inches. The ratio of pumps to breaths remains 30 pumps and 2 rescue breaths.

This change reflects the fact that most rescuers were not pumping deep enough.

The recommendation for foreign body obstruction (choking) is unchanged. Repeated upper back hits (up to 5) followed by up to 5 chest thrusts is still the method of choice until the baby is over one year old.

CHANGES FOR CHILD CPR

CPR technique for a child now includes the use of two hands to ensure adequate depth of compression (at least 1/3 of the chest wall depth).

 

Please remember that if a child is no longer conscious due to airway blockage it is imperative that CPR begin immediately.

The new recommendation for a choking child now includes 5 upper back hits followed by up to 5 abdominal thrusts (inward and upward), alternating until the object is cleared.

  • For best effect, position yourself to the side and slightly behind the choking child. For a small child, you may need to kneel behind them rather than stand. This should be done while the child is bent over. Previously we suggested back hits while the child was standing upright.
  • Give 5 back blows using the heel of the hand to strike between the shoulder blades. If no improvement, then have the child stand up straight.
  • Next, move behind the child; bend your knees slightly for balance and support, and give 5 abdominal thrusts, pulling inward and upward each time.
  • Continue alternating 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the child can cough, cry or speak.
  • If they become unresponsive, begin CPR (starting with compressions)

 

CORRECT RESPONSE TO CHOKING 

As always, we continue to encourage parents and care providers to follow the basics of prevention of airway obstruction by adhering to the following principles:

  • Never leave an infant or small child unattended during mealtimes
  • Once they are crawling/walking keep all food and other objects away from them
  • Do not provide food or snacks in the car as it is difficult or impossible to recognize an airway obstruction before it is too late
  • Be extra careful if you enter a small mouth to try and remove an object. If you must, do so by going along the cheek then swipe across the mouth

When someone is choking immediate response is crucial. You can’t rely on Paramedics to save the day as they won’t be able to arrive in time. That is why we cannot stress enough how important it is for ALL family members and care providers to know how to save a choking infant or child. 

 

BE PREPARED. BE SAFE.

 

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CONSUMER WATCH! RECALL ALERT

There’s a lot to think about when you’re having a baby, so many needs to consider – cribs, strollers, clothing, diapers, baby bottles, bassinets, and more. Needless to say, choosing the best and safest products for your infant, toddler, or young child can be a dizzying process, especially when you’re bombarded with so many product choices.

But how to know if you’re buying something that poses a serious risk? An easy way to stay informed is to register with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (cpsc.gov) so you can receive email alerts that identify dangerous products and provide information about their risks. They also have an app you can download to your phone. You can find that here. This is a must-have resource. Adult-related products are included as well.

We went over all the alerts that were issued this year up to the writing of this article and identified a number of product categories that seem to continually pose a health and safety risk where infants and toddlers are concerned. And the list of products grows every day.

Here’s a sample of our findings…

  • Several baby bathing seats that are unsafe and present an increased risk of drowning
  • Bassinets which are unsafe for infants, increasing the risk of suffocation or entrapment

  • One or more baby gates that do not meet safety standards
  • More than a few chests of drawers that are top heavy and are easy to tip over by a small child causing serious injury

  • Numerous toys, games and other items powered by small batteries that, if placed in
    the mouth, increase both a choking risk as well as a risk for toxic ingestion

  • Several safety helmets for those starting to ride a bike or skateboard that are not
    adequate for protection of the head
  • Several “self-feeding” pillows with attachments for a small bottle that pose a
    choking risk

  • Any number of medications and/or supplements that violate child resistant
    packaging and can lead to serious or lethal toxic ingestion
  • Infant & toddler bedtime clothing that do not meet flammability standards

There are also a significant number of items that adults use regularly including:

  • Power strips for multiple electrical inputs that pose a fire risk
  • Steam cleaners due to risk of serious burns
  • A number of pool or hot tub drain covers which increase the risk of entrapment and
    drowning
  • Several adult portable side rails that increase the risk of serious falls

 

Save a Little Life™ strongly encourages all parents to register with the CPSC. Here’s a direct link to subscribe to their mailing list.

 

BE PREPARED. BE SAFE.

 

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IS AI READY TO TAKE ON THE ROLE OF PHYSICIAN?

These days, a growing number of people worldwide are consulting AI Chatbots for medical advice. The question is, can we rely on them to give us accurate advice?

A recent study conducted at Oxford University set out to establish whether or not AI systems are effective with regards to diagnosis and appropriate course of action.

The study included nearly 1,300 participants who were asked to identify potential health conditions and recommended courses of action, based on personal medical scenarios developed by doctors.

One group used AI chatbots to assist in their decision-making, while a control group  used other traditional sources of information. The researchers then evaluated how accurately participants identified the likely medical issues and the most appropriate next step, such as visiting a GP or going to the ER.

Results showed that those who relied on the chatbots made the right choice less than half of the time and that AI correctly identified the problem only about a third of the time.

Although AI platforms excel at standardized tests of medical knowledge, they fall short when it comes to accurate diagnosis because they don’t reflect the complexity of interacting with human users.

Researchers found evidence of three specific areas that posed a challenge:

  1. Users often didn’t know what information they should provide
  2. AI provided very different answers based on slight variations in the questions asked
  3. AI often provided a mix of good and bad information which made it difficult for users to identify the best course of action

Ultimately, AI’s advice was not any better than a simple Google search.

Rebecca Payne, one of the study’s authors, said it could be dangerous to rely solely on this new technology which might fail to recognize when a person needs urgent medical attention.

Senior author of the study, Associate Professor Adam Mahdi (Oxford Internet Institute) said: ‘The disconnect between benchmark scores and real-world performance should be a wake-up call for AI developers and regulators. We cannot rely on standardised tests alone to determine if these systems are safe for public use. Just as we require clinical trials for new medications, AI systems need rigorous testing with diverse, real users to understand their true capabilities in high-stakes settings like healthcare.’

Clearly, AI isn’t qualified to provide clear medical guidance…yet. On the plus side, although still in its infant stages, some doctors find that incorporating information provided by AI into their own assessments can help them spot illnesses in patients which could lead to new discoveries.

As for the rest of us who are still largely flying by the seat of our pants, it’s probably best to continue to rely on traditional doctor/patient interaction, at least for the time being.

 

 

 

 

VACCINE CONFUSION – TO B OR NOT TO B?

In case you haven’t noticed there have been some rather ambiguous statements made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently regarding previously accepted standards for certain vaccines for infants.

The most recent of these statements and recommendations come from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Specifically, they are referring to the hepatitis B vaccine for infants. The committee voted to make vaccine recommendations “based on the mother’s testing status.” So, if a mother tested negative for hepatitis B parents should decide, with the guidance of their doctor, whether the vaccine is appropriate for their newborn.

The Los Angeles Department of Public Health (DPH) criticized the decision and described it as “a return to selective, risk-based newborn vaccination”, which officials argued was “not based on new evidence suggesting that hepatitis B vaccine birth dose is unsafe or ineffective.” The DPH further argued that a “risk-based strategy” was shown to be inadequate more than 35 years ago, and can reintroduce preventable risks, in particular communities such as L.A. County where hepatitis B prevalence and risks are higher. Consequently, the county has decided to continue the current, science-based recommendation for hepatitis B vaccines for newborn.

To keep this in context, the new CDC recommendations are occurring while other vaccines for newborns are also being brought into question, in particular, the vaccine for measles which has also been questioned by the new CDC while there have been outbreaks in several U.S cities.

House Representative, Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chair emerita of the Congressional Asian-Pacific American Caucus, criticized the CDC’s decision as “reckless and dangerous.” She added: “Asian Americans, Native Americans and Pacific Islander communities who make up only 7% of the U.S. population yet account for 60% of chronic hepatitis B cases. She argued that these vaccines have been life- saving protection for these communities.”

We strongly continue to suggest that all expectant and recently delivered parents speak frankly and honestly with their pediatricians regarding newborn vaccines for their newborn.

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MEASLES ARE BACK

It has been a quarter century since measles was officially eliminated in the U.S. Yet here we are in 2025 seeing a resurgence. Numerous cases have been reported in different states which are giving health experts great cause for concern.

As of mid-May 2025, there were more than 1,000 new cases of measles and three measles-related deaths in the U.S., surpassing the 285 cases reported for all of 2024, according to public health statistics.

Researchers at Stanford University just published an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association which suggests that with the current level of immunizations, measles would return to endemic status with more than 850,000 cases in 25 years.

 

WHAT ARE MEASLES AND WHY ARE THEY SO DANGEROUS?

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus which can lead to serious complications like ear infections, pneumonia, and brain inflammation (encephalitis) which can be fatal. Children are obviously the most vulnerable but it can affect people of all ages, especially those whose immune systems are weak.

According to Jay Varma, MD, an epidemiologist and primary care physician in New York City “The healthcare delivery system is not prepared for the resurgence of measles.” Measles is twice as contagious as COVID-19 so given what occurred during the recent pandemic it is very likely that a measles epidemic would push the healthcare system beyond its capacity.

 

WHY ARE MEASLES ON THE RISE AGAIN?

There is a lot of misinformation out there about vaccines which has resulted in reduced vaccination rates in some communities. That is further compounded by recent policy changes that have taken place in Washington some of which have been spearheaded by the new director of Health and Human Resources who has openly questioned the need for various vaccines,

When it comes to your family’s health we believe it is vital that you always check with your healthcare provider for the best advice.

CHOKING PROTOCOLS – Are Anti-Choking Devices the Best Option?

Choking is a very real threat and scary issue when it comes to infants, toddlers, and small children so it’s a rare occurrence if I don’t get questions in a CPR class regarding the use and benefits of anti-choking devices.

In a previous article, De-Choking Devices – Friend or Foe? we looked at some of the possible dangers and misinformation surrounding these devices. However, if you believe the promotions for the so-called Doctor Endorsed “Dechoker” or “LifeVac” anti-choking devices, you’re still likely to feel compelled to run out and get one immediately.

A closer look at the research and official recommendations for a choking baby or child, however, might have you come away with a different opinion.

First of all, it’s worth noting that the FDA’s recommendations do not include any of the above-mentioned devices. That holds true for the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. Instead, they recommend that the first line of defense be the skills learned in an infant or child pediatric CPR class.

Why?

Responding to an actual complete airway obstruction requires quick action by a family member or trained care provider/nanny. Anyone responsible for the care of your baby or child must be prepared to act immediately and be well-versed in how to do so. Even a paramedic response may not be of any help because time is of the essence.

So, why not rely on an anti-choking device? They look simple enough to use.

In this video, the first in an excellent 4-part series, Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, an ER doctor and mom talks about the issues:

If you are a previous client of Save a Little Life™ you have learned the necessary skills in class. A reminder, the standard protocol is either back blows and chest pushes for an infant or a measured Heimlich Maneuver for toddlers or older children. If you were to discuss this with your pediatrician, she/he would tell you that those skills are the most important responses for complete obstruction.

If those methods do not work, then as a last resort you might consider the use of an anti-choking product.

In every class we preach the following prevention methods which should be part of your daily choking prevention routine, including:

  • Do not leave the self-feeder alone during mealtimes
  • Once able to crawl or walk do not give them any food or snacks and only do so when in a proper highchair
  • Do not provide food or snacks in the car until they are much older
  • Try to avoid overreacting to gagging episode(s) but if you feel the need to go into a small mouth, always go in along the cheek line and then sweep across. This will avoid an accidental episode of pushing food into their airway

Again, anyone with care responsibilities for a baby or child must know the proper skills…without exception.

For an in-depth comparison and investigation of the most popular anti-choking devices be sure to view the Dr. Darria’s complete series on this topic: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

 

If you’re interested in refreshing your CPR skills or are a first-time parent wanting to learn, please contact us for more information

VISIT OUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING CLASSES

PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNITS–WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Most expectant and recently delivered parents are familiar with the term Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or NICU (“nick-u”) which might be necessary in the case of a newborn that arrives sick or premature. For that reason, all hospitals who deliver babies are required to have access to a NICU, just in case.

But what happens when an older infant or child requires intensive care? Are they also cared for by the NICU unit?

The answer is no. NICU patients are typically newborns, although some NICUs care for babies up to two months old. Beyond that, a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit or PICU is required for all children, generally up to the age of 18.

What’s important to know is that PICUs are specialized units that don’t exist in all hospitals. Therefore, it is important that parents find out where the nearest PICU is located so their little ones can receive the best care if and when they are seriously or critically ill or injured.

For example, let’s say a 3-year-old child has fallen from a height that caused a brain injury and they are showing signs of a severe concussion or worse. That child would require hospitalization in a PICU for intensive monitoring and treatment by specialized physicians and nurses until they were stable and continuing to improve.

PICUs are most often located in medical centers that are teaching hospitals. A teaching hospital trains physicians in all areas of medicine, from pediatrics to neurology to orthopedics and so on. They have 24/7/365 capacity to provide rapid care to babies, children and adolescent patients.

What you need to bear in mind is that these represent only a small percentage of the hospitals in the greater Los Angeles area.

So what happens if the paramedics arrive and determine that your baby or child requires hospitalization?

Paramedics are extensively trained to evaluate and treat infants and children both in your home and en route to the hospital. Please follow their instructions and lead as they are making decisions based on sound clinical judgement.

If they determine that your little one will likely need intensive care, they will not take them to a hospital that cannot care for them, however, it is also possible that they will go to a medical center where your pediatrician does not have admitting privileges.

It goes without saying that ideally, you would want your child to go to a medical center where your pediatrician admits and practices.

So, an important question to ask and one that all parents should know the answer to is where does your pediatrician admit the most serious patients? 

It’s helpful to know that pediatricians have admitting privileges at one or more of these medical centers – in fact, many have done their resident training at these centers – but don’t take anything for granted. If you don’t already know, please ask your pediatrician where she or he admits little ones.

In Los Angeles, the following medical centers have a PICU:

  • UCLA Medical Center (Westwood)
  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
  • Children’s Hospital of L A.
  • County USC Medical Center
  • most Kaiser Permanente hospitals
  • The recently enlarged Providence/Cedars Tarzana hospital also has a critical care unit for pediatrics
  • In outlying areas, Loma Linda Medical Center and Harbor UCLA Medical Center should be included in the list

Save a Little Life™ is dedicated to educating parents, family members, and care providers to respond to most pediatric health emergencies, if needed. Never underestimate the importance of that knowledge. Keeping CPR and airway emergency skills current can make the biggest difference in critical health events.