Tag Archive for: Pediatric

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.

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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.

 

 

 

 

FROM DREAMS TO DIAPERS

Becoming a parent is one of life’s most profound transitions. During pregnancy, many people imagine what life with their baby will be like—wondering who their child will resemble, what their personality might be, and how family life will unfold.

Yet once the baby arrives, the reality of caring for a newborn often brings unexpected emotions, challenges, and learning experiences. The early days of parenthood are filled with both joy and uncertainty as parents adjust to new responsibilities, shifting identities, and the unique needs of their baby. This journey is not about perfection, but about growth, patience, and learning together. One day, one moment, and one diaper at a time.

You’ve come along way since giving birth. Take a moment to appreciate the incredible experience you have gone through and give yourself credit. Intellectually you knew parenthood was coming—having read books, taken classes, preparing the nursery, and researching baby names and all the baby gear.

Yet, even with preparation, the day-to-day reality of caring for a newborn is often very different from what was imagined. Crying, sleepless nights, and constant care can trigger strong emotions. Parents can feel helpless, frustrated, isolated, anxious, or unsure of themselves when their baby will not settle.

In reality, crying and cueing are a baby’s primary ways of communicating, and learning to understand this new “language” takes time and patience. It is normal to experience moments of doubt, disappointment, or even guilt.

Modern life adds extra pressure. Many parents are used to completing tasks quickly and efficiently, expecting immediate results. In the early days of parenthood, time feels different. Days can pass in a blur, leaving parents wondering where the time went. It is common to hear new parents, say, “The time just flew by.” or “I didn’t even have time to shower.” Remember: your baby does not notice small imperfections—a crooked diaper or an unfinished nursery matters far less than providing nurturing, comfort, safety, and a secure attachment.

Mindfulness and flexibility are essential for well-being. You and your partner may approach tasks differently, and that is okay. There is more than one way to soothe a baby, swaddle, or manage daily routines. Respecting each other’s strengths, and differences can create harmony and balance. Parenting is not about being right or perfect—it’s about learning, growing, and supporting each other along the way.

Some days will feel overwhelming, which is a common experience for new parents. When frustration arises, pause, take a breath, and take things one step at a time. Be gentle with yourself. This is a great time to practice self-compassion. Expect to make mistakes—this is part of learning. As your baby grows, new milestones will bring new challenges, and you will continue learning together.

Parenthood is the journey of learning, growth, and connection. With patience, humor, gratitude, and the practice self-compassion, you and your partner can face the challenges, celebrate the small wins and everyday joys, and build a secure, loving bond with your baby—one day, one moment, and yes, one diaper at a time!

Along the way, you may come to realize that the life you are creating together as a family—filled with countless little miracles, love, laughter, and gratitude—becomes the extraordinary dream you never knew you had.

If you have any concerns about your baby’s well-being, reach out to your pediatrician.

If you or your partner are persistently overwhelmed, anxious, or down, please reach out to your healthcare provider—support is available and you do not have to face this alone.

Helpful resources include:

Postpartum Support International

(call or text 1-800-944-4773)

or visit www.postpartum.net

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

(1-833-TLC-MAMA)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

(988)

Written by Judith Ann Aluce BSN, RN, PMH-C, author of New Baby, New Mood: How to Navigate Life With a Newborn—offering essential guidance for embracing early parenthood. Follow Judith Ann on Instagram: @newbabynewmood

 

 

CHOKING RISKS THAT MAY SURPRISE YOU

We often assume that food is the #1 choking threat when it comes to infants and yet the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reveals that object-related choking deaths significantly outnumber food-related deaths during the first year of life.

The study reviewed mortality data from 2018-2023, comparing food and object-related death across the lifespan. They found that “food-related choking peaked at age 1, when self-feeding becomes more common, while overall rates declined through early childhood.”

The lead author of the study, Dr. Rachel Ruiz, a pediatric gastroenterologist, looked at the analysis and it made her question her long standing assumptions about choking deaths. “As a pediatrician I was always taught that choking on food is one of the leading causes of accidental death among young children and what I found out was that’s not true.”

She acknowledged that while there has been great work done in educating families regarding food textures and portion sizes, we also need to be just as vigilant about nonfood items in the home.

Choking hazards abound when little ones begin to crawl and walk. Dr. Ruiz recommends that parents & care providers “get down on the ground and make sure you are really vigilant about vacuuming.”

This is especially true during the holidays when the risks increase. Some of the most common choking hazards include small toys (anything small enough to fit inside a toilet paper roll is a huge threat;) batteries (small lithium cell batteries, in particular;) coins, marbles, and small stones; magnets (found in magnetic toys; refrigerator magnets are also a risk;) art supplies and decorations (think beads, buttons, etc.)

Save a Little Life™ encourages parents to register with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (cpsc.gov) to receive updates on the many nonfood items that have been recalled due to choking hazards.

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.