Tag Archive for: Health

DOES AEROBIC EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY REDUCE THE RISK OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?

This question was posed by researchers who conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine whether regular aerobic exercise during pregnancy would reduce postpartum depression in women with singleton (non-multiple) pregnancies.

398 women between the ages of 20-40 years were evaluated, all of whom had low-risk single pregnancies. Each one was then randomly assigned to either an exercise or non-exercise group.

The program for the exercise group program consisted of structured aerobic exercise 3 days per week until 35 weeks of gestation. The non-exercise group did not receive any structured exercise program or guidance on physical activity.

Self-reported postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale (EPDS). The lower the score, the less depressive moods reported. Women with an EPDS score equal or greater than 9 received closer follow-up and, if necessary, were referred to a psychiatrist for counseling.

What was revealed?

Results showed that:

  • In the exercise group the mean EPDS score was lower than that of the non-exercise group
  • Women in the exercise group had a higher gestational age at delivery and lower rates of NICU (Neonatal ICU) admissions
  • Other maternal and perinatal outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups

The authors reported: “The mechanisms by which antenatal exercise may reduce the risk of post-partum depression are, therefore, likely multifactorial. Exercise promotes neuroplasticity and increases levels of brain derived neurotropic factor.”

 

The study was led by Gabriele Saccone, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples and published in An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, September 21, 2025.

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.

 

FACT OR FICTION? IS THERE A LINK BETWEEN CIRCUMCISION AND AUTISM?

During a House Cabinet meeting on October 9th, 2025, the Health & Human Resources Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. claimed that there may be a link between circumcision of male babies and young children, and autism. His claim suggested that male babies were twice as likely as uncircumcised boys to be diagnosed with autism, claiming the link “is highly likely because they were given Tylenol,” and he cited two studies in support of that finding.

Although not specific about which studies he may have been referencing, there is a Danish study by Frisch, et al, of a group of boys between 1994 and 2003 which found that, among that group, boys who were circumcised were 46% more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by age 10. However, being 46% more likely is not the same as being twice as likely. Perhaps he was singling out the study’s finding that boys under the age of 5 were twice as likely to receive an autism diagnosis.

Among the limitations of that study is that they had no data on whether any of the circumcised boys received Tyenol for pain. The authors also acknowledged that the study had several other significant limitations.

In countries, such as Israel, where ritual circumcision is nearly universal, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder is about 1 in 88, according to the Israeli Ministry of Health. In the U.S. where circumcision is far less common, the rate is 1 in 36…according to the CDC.

When Kennedy linked the two studies he suggested the link is “likely because the babies were given Tylenol.” That is, at best, incoherent speculation. There is no definitive evidence to prove that circumcision, with or without the use of Tylenol, has any real link to autism.

When public health officials use their platform to promote pet theories rather than proven science, it is, at best, misleading to the public or possibly worse.

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.

PEDIATRIC ALLERGIES – ARE ELIMINATION DIETS NECESSARY?

At a recent meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics there was a wide-ranging discussion of popular myths about pediatric allergies. Discussions included topics such as First vs Second Generation Antihistamines, Local Organic Honey for Treatment of Allergies, How to Diagnose Cow’s Milk Allergies, Penicillin Allergies and Treatment of Hives.

Another issue, very relevant to breast feeding mothers, is whether there is a need to eliminate foods that might be passed along to infants in breast milk. The discussion was led by David Stukus, MD, a professor of clinical pediatrics in the division of Allergy and Immunology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.

Stukus explained that breastfeeding mothers do not typically pass allergens to their infants in breastmilk, “so it is rare that a mother would need to eliminate anything from her diet if her baby experiences atopic dermatitis, colic, GI reflux or similar symptoms.”

Dr. Stukus also addressed other allergy-related misconceptions including:

  • There is no need to wait a certain number of days between introducing new foods to infants. He suggested letting babies explore new foods and textures at each mealtime and to reassure families that 95% of children never develop food allergies. In reality, he said, “early and ongoing consumption of different foods has the greatest likelihood of preventing food allergies.“
  • Egg allergy is not a contradiction to the flu, measles, mumps rubella and yellow fever vaccines. Again, he is quoted…“Despite concerns about a theoretical risk that vaccines made using chick embryos could cause an allergic reaction, the evidence has shown otherwise, and allergy to a vaccine ingredient is not usually a contradiction to receiving it.”
  • When comparing first vs second generation antihistamines parents should consider not using diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in favor of newer antihistamines such as Zyrtec or Claritin as they have a quicker onset with fewer side effects. 

    It is vital that all young families speak with their own pediatricians regarding food allergies, various treatments, or any other issues that you are concerned about.

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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.

THE RISING RATE OF PEDIATRIC OPIOID POISONING

When little Enora Lavenir’s parents put her down for a nap during a family vacation they never could have imagined it would result in her death. Vacationing in a Florida Airbnb, the couple didn’t know that the rental home had been a “party house” where the illicit drug Fentanyl had likely been used. Yet, confirmed by autopsy, Enora’s death was due to acute Fentanyl toxicity.

Until now, our perception of the opioid crisis has largely been viewed as an adult problem. However, there is stunning and alarming evidence that infants and children are more likely to die from an opioid overdose than from any other toxic substance.

According to findings published in the journal Pediatrics about 52% of poisoning deaths in children under 5 years of age are due to opioids. “In fact, the number has doubled since 2005, when 24% of poisonings were attributable to opioids” said lead researcher Dr. Christopher Gaw, a pediatric emergency physician at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dr. Gaw and colleagues reviewed child death data from the U.S. National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention. Between 2005-2018, 731 poisoning deaths in children aged 5 and younger were reported to the center. Overall, infants, under the age of 1 accounted for 2/5 (40%) of poisoning deaths. During this period opioids were involved in 47% of these deaths. The next leading cause of drug related deaths occurred from over the counter pain & cold medications (15%).

Five years later, the numbers are rising.

Even a small dose of a prescription opioid can put an infant or toddler’s life at risk. This is particularly true of synthetic opioids such as Fentanyl which is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. 

Where are these overdose deaths occurring?

Nearly 2/3 of these poisoning deaths occur in the infant or child’s home.  Roughly 1/3 of these occurred when a child was supervised by someone other than their parents. The data clearly shows that the vast majority of these poisonings were accidental.  Dr. Gaw added “Kids are curious, active and we know from experience and other studies that often kids are exposed accidentally.  They are just exploring their environment when they find an opioid and end up ingesting it.  A lot of these are what we call exploratory ingestions.”

Dr. Sam Wang, a pediatric toxicologist with Childrens Hospital Colorado in Aurora noted ”even legitimate opioids that are not properly stored and kept out of reach of a child can cause a death if a child would get into them.”  On the other hand, illicit drugs are particularly risky in homes where supervision of children is usually not as good.  This type of event is considered drug endangerment.  Our readers need to understand that, even when properly prescribed opioids are in the home, they must be stored safely  –  away from little ones.  

Shows a baby's hands on top of various pill packets

SIGNS OF AN OPIATE OVERDOSE:

  • Very lethargic, hard to arouse
  • Shallow, slower breathing
  • “Pinpoint” pupils

If any of these occur call 9-1-1 immediately and if breathing stops, initiate CPR immediately

Our Pediatric CPR & Family Safety Class begins with a focus on prevention of most household injuries & accidents.  

When it comes to storing any potentially dangerous drugs we emphasize:

  • storing all medication (prescription or otherwise) out of the reach of children
  • keeping opioid drugs under lock and key, if possible
  • that medications of this type be kept in child resistant containers

Consider asking you M.D. for a prescription for Naloxone, the proven life-saving antidote to all opiate drugs.

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LET’S TALK ABOUT SEIZURES AND HOW TO RESPOND TO THEM

If you’ve ever witnessed a person having a seizure, it’s likely that you’ve responded with fear or even revulsion. Or maybe you’ve simply felt helpless not knowing what to do.

So what do you do?

Film or TV portrayals of someone having a seizure might misinform you as to what the proper response actually is, and viewing seizures as evidence of demonic possession, while historical, is also likely to be misleading.

Let’s take a look at some basic facts.

Throughout the body there are electrical currents that facilitate many functions. This is especially true of the heart and brain. Sometimes an incident may occur where the current is short-circuited resulting in a seizure. The seizure itself is not the cause but the result of something, an event brought on by one of many possible causes.

Some possible causes are:

  • Use of alcohol and/or drugs
  • Flashing lights (like a strobe light)
  • Not taking medication prescribed to prevent seizures
  • Head injury where the brain is affected
  • Rapidly rising high fever in some babies and small children
  • A significant drop or rise in blood sugar levels
  • A brain tumor

DIFFERENT FORMS OF SEIZURES

Some seizures are short in duration while others last several minutes or longer.

A seizure may exhibit as rapid blinking or staring off into space.  Historically, these types of seizures have been called “petit mal” which are a less serious form.

When a seizure involves the whole body, causing shaking and altered consciousness, it is often referred to as “grand mal.”  

Some seizures only involve certain parts of the body causing involuntary twitching, confusion, and the inability to respond to someone.  

Keep in mind that having a seizure does not mean that a child has epilepsy.

Seizures resulting from rapidly rising, high fevers are the most common seizures seen in the pediatric population. These are referred to as febrile seizures. If you are a parent with infants, toddlers and/or small children it is important that you speak with your pediatrician about fever so you can learn how to treat it.  

ARE ALL SEIZURES A MEDICAL EMERGENCY?  

The short answer is NO. In relation to some of the causes listed above, however, some seizures may require a paramedic response.

For example, when…

  • seizures last more than 5 minutes
  • someone is injured during a seizure
  • a person is experiencing their first seizure
  • someone has breathing problems or the inability to walk normally after a seizure
  • the seizures don’t stop
  • they occur in water

FIRST AID RESPONSES TO A SEIZURE

Shows a young boy lying on the floor in the aftermath of a seizure. A woman's hand resting on her leg can be seen to the left of him.

While someone is having a seizure…

  • do not try to restrain or hold them down during a seizure
  • do not put anything in their mouth
  • expect short periods of absent breathing, changes in skin color
  • do not start CPR or give rescue breaths
  • avoid giving the victim food or water

When someone is convulsing it is common for them to bite their tongue, cheek or lips, and bleeding can occur.  Do not panic if you see this.  Seizure victims DO NOT swallow their tongues.  

Stay with the victim until the seizure ends and the person fully awake is able to communicate normally. Many people will be confused afterward.

Speak softly to the victim.

Once a seizure begins to ease off, it is ok to carefully turn the person on their side.