Big money spent marketing unhealthy baby, toddler foods

Many ads for infant formula, baby food, and toddler snacks go against the nutritional advice of health experts, according to new research

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/big-money-spent-marketing-unhealthy-baby-toddler-foods/

Michelle Miller Brings Breast Cancer Awareness to Phoenix Cardinal's Stadium

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY8qighmZiQ

Attendee Testimony: 2016 Minimally Disruptive Medicine Workshop

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpE60ETMamA

Attendee Testimony: 2016 Minimally Disruptive Medicine Workshop

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8EPuTEXOeM

The Truth About Gas

Many people don’t know much about intestinal gas, even though we all have it. It’s time to take the air out of some of the myths behind flatulence and belching.

From: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/truth-about-gas?src=RSS_PUBLIC

6-year-old dies of mysterious polio-like illness

The rare condition that causes paralysis is on the rise in the U.S., health officials say

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/6-year-old-dies-of-rare-polio-like-mystery-illness/

Mom warns parents after seatbelt slices 6-year-old's stomach

Mom reveals graphic details about little girl's injuries to raise awareness for booster seat safety

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mom-warns-parents-after-seatbelt-slices-6-year-old-daughters-stomach-open/

A New Life: The Journey of Vivian Tsai at Mayo Clinic

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTEPDXvm5SM

Premature Births Rise for First Time in 8 Years

March of Dimes' report finds significant geographic and racial disparities

From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20161101/us-premature-births-rise-for-1st-time-in-8-years?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Ohio Dental Association Foundation awards CDHC scholarship

When Tiffaney Hamm first started as a dental assistant she was looking for a stable career, something she could both enjoy and help support her family. What she found was a calling and desire to do whatever it takes to help patients in her community.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/november/ohio-dental-association-foundation-awards-cdhc-scholarship

Students exposed to research careers at Colgate Dental Students' Conference on Research

"Do not take a step, unless it will leave a footprint." That was the takeaway of Kendra Clark, Ph.D., after attending the 52nd annual Colgate Dental Students' Conference on Research in October at the ADA Foundation Volpe Research Center. Dr. Clark, National Student Research Group president-elect, is a third-year dental student at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry after getting her doctorate in basic medical sciences at the University of South Alabama.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/november/students-exposed-to-research-careers-at-colgate-dental-students-conference-on-research

Operative dentistry becomes first interest area in general dentistry to receive recognition

The American Dental Association is recognizing operative dentistry as an interest area in general dentistry — the first to receive the distinction — after the ADA House of Delegates adopted Resolution 19H-2016 during its annual meeting in Denver.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/november/operative-dentistry-becomes-first-interest-area-in-general-dentistry-to-receive-recognition

Here's what happens when soda makers fund obesity studies

Biased research muddies the waters on the health impact of sugary drinks, according to a new report

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/when-soda-makers-fund-studies-links-to-obesity-weaken/

Experts: Screen Kids 6 and Older for Obesity

Guideline fine-tunes 2010 recommendation

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20161101/kids-6-and-older-should-be-screened-for-obesity-task-force-reaffirms?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Some Ads Push Not-So-Healthy Baby, Toddler Foods

Of concern are liquid supplements, toddler milk and sweetened snacks, researcher says

From: http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20161101/big-36-spent-marketing-not-so-healthy-baby-toddler-foods-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Common Vaccine Safe for Mother, Fetus

Finding should reassure women who get Tdap shot to help protect their infant against whooping cough

From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20161101/common-vaccine-safe-for-mother-fetus?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Food Labels on Possible Allergens May Be Confusing

Misunderstanding warnings could be dangerous for those with food allergies, researcher says

From: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20161101/food-labels-on-potential-allergens-may-confuse-shoppers?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Regenerative Medicine & Surgery – Patient-Centered Curriculum at Mayo Clinic School of Medicine

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYEFt7SQPj4

Inorganic Nitrate Supplementation in Young and Old Obese Adults Does Not Affect Acute Glucose and Insulin Responses but Lowers Oxidative Stress [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Aging and obesity are associated with raised oxidative stress and a reduction of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, with subsequent decline in insulin sensitivity and endothelial function. Inorganic nitrate is converted into NO via a 2-step reduction process and may be an effective nutritional intervention to modify vascular and metabolic functions.

Objectives: This study tested whether inorganic nitrate supplementation improved glucose disposal and attenuated the acute effects of hyperglycemia on oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular function in young and old obese participants.

Methods: Ten young (aged 18–44 y) and 10 old (aged 55–70 y) obese participants consumed 75 g glucose followed by either potassium nitrate (7 mg/kg body weight) or potassium chloride (placebo) in a randomized, double-blind crossover design. Resting blood pressure (BP), endothelial function, and blood biomarkers were measured for 3 h postintervention. Biomarkers included plasma nitrate/nitrite (NOx), glucose, insulin, cyclic GMP, interleukin 6, 3-nitrotyrosine, E- and P-selectins, intercellular adhesion molecule 3 (ICAM-3), and thrombomodulin, as well as superoxide in freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Results: Inorganic nitrate supplementation did not affect plasma glucose (P = 0.18) or insulin (P = 0.26) responses. The increase in plasma NOx concentrations 3 h after the administration of inorganic nitrate was significantly higher in young than in old participants (234% increase compared with 149% increase, respectively, P < 0.001). Plasma 3-nitrotyrosine concentrations declined significantly after inorganic nitrate supplementation compared with placebo (3 h postdose, 46% decrease compared with 27% increase, respectively, P = 0.04), and a similar nonsignificant trend was observed for superoxide concentrations (3 h postdose, 16% decrease compared with 23% increase, respectively, P = 0.06). Plasma cyclic GMP, ICAM-3, and thrombomodulin concentrations differed between young and old participants (P < 0.01). Inorganic nitrate supplementation did not improve BP or endothelial function.

Conclusions: Oral supplementation with inorganic nitrate did not improve glucose and insulin responses but reduced oxidative stress in old individuals during acute hyperglycemia. This trial was registered at www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN42776917.

From: Ashor, A. W., Chowdhury, S., Oggioni, C., Qadir, O., Brandt, K., Ishaq, A., Mathers, J. C., Saretzki, G., Siervo, M. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/146/11/2224?rss=1

Dietary Zinc Regulates Apoptosis through the Phosphorylated Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2{alpha}/Activating Transcription Factor-4/C/EBP-Homologous Protein Pathway during Pharmacologically Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Livers of Mice [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Several in vitro studies have shown that zinc deficiency could induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, resulting in activation of the unfolded protein response.

Objective: We aimed to determine whether consumption of a zinc-deficient diet (ZnD) triggers ER stress and to understand the impact of dietary zinc intake on ER stress–induced apoptosis using a mouse model.

Methods: Young adult (8–16 wk of age) male mice of strain C57BL/6 were fed either a ZnD (<1 mg/kg diet), or a zinc-adequate diet (ZnA; 30 mg/kg diet). After 2 wk, liver, pancreas, and serum samples were collected and analyzed for indexes of ER stress. In another experiment, mice were fed either a ZnD, a ZnA, or a zinc-supplementation diet (ZnS; 180 mg/kg diet). After 2 wk, vehicle or tunicamycin (TM; 2 mg/kg body weight) was administered to mice to model ER stress. Liver and serum were analyzed for indexes of ER stress to evaluate the effects of zinc status.

Results: Mice fed a ZnD did not activate the apoptotic and ER stress markers in the liver or pancreas. During the TM challenge, mice fed a ZnD showed greater C/EBP-homologous protein expression in the liver (3.8-fold, P < 0.01) than did ZnA-fed mice. TM-treated mice fed a ZnD also had greater terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling–positive cells in the liver (2.2-fold, P < 0.05), greater hepatic triglyceride accumulation (1.5-fold, P < 0.05), greater serum alanine aminotransferase activity (1.6-fold, P < 0.05), and greater protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B activity (1.5-fold, P < 0.05), respectively, than did those fed a ZnA. No significant differences were observed in these parameters between mice fed ZnAs and ZnSs.

Conclusions: Consumption of a ZnD per se is not a critical factor for induction of ER stress in mice; however, once ER stress is triggered, adequate dietary zinc intake is required for suppressing apoptotic cell death and further insults in the liver of mice.

From: Kim, M.-H., Aydemir, T. B., Cousins, R. J. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/146/11/2180?rss=1

Perinatal Dietary Choline Deficiency in Sows Influences Concentrations of Choline Metabolites, Fatty Acids, and Amino Acids in Milk throughout Lactation [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Choline is essential for synthesis of phospholipids, neurodevelopment, and DNA methylation. It is unknown whether dietary perinatal choline deficiency affects maternal milk composition.

Objective: We examined whether perinatal maternal dietary choline deficiency influences porcine-milk composition.

Methods: Yorkshire sows were fed choline-deficient (CD) or choline-sufficient (CS) gestation diets [544 or 1887 mg choline/kg dry matter (DM), respectively] from 65 d before to 48 h after parturition and then fed lactation diets (517 or 1591 mg choline/kg DM, respectively) through day 19 of lactation. Milk was collected from 7 sows fed each diet at days 0 (colostrum), 7–9 (mature milk), and 17–19 (preweaning) of lactation. Sow plasma was collected 65 d before and 19 d after parturition. Milk was analyzed for choline metabolite, fatty acid (FA), and amino acid composition. All outcomes were analyzed to assess main and interactive effects of choline intake and time.

Results: Plasma choline metabolites did not differ before treatment, but free choline, betaine, and dimethylglycine concentrations were lower in CD-fed than in CS-fed sows at day 19 of lactation (interaction; P < 0.05). Milk betaine concentrations responded similarly, with no differences due to choline intake at day 0 of lactation, but lower concentrations in CD-fed than in CS-fed sows at day 18 of lactation (interaction; P < 0.001). Certain milk long-chain FAs also exhibited no differences at day 0 of lactation but higher concentrations in CD-fed than in CS-fed sows at day 18 of lactation (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: These data indicate that, in pigs, dietary choline deficiency induces alterations in plasma choline metabolites that are evident at the end of lactation. Betaine and select FAs in milk are sensitive to maternal dietary choline deficiency and day of lactation. Alterations in concentrations of these nutrients may affect early-life neonatal development.

From: Mudd, A. T., Alexander, L. S., Johnson, S. K., Getty, C. M., Malysheva, O. V., Caudill, M. A., Dilger, R. N. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/146/11/2216?rss=1

Prior Consumption of a Fat Meal in Healthy Adults Modulates the Brains Response to Fat [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: The consumption of fat is regulated by reward and homeostatic pathways, but no studies to our knowledge have examined the role of high-fat meal (HFM) intake on subsequent brain activation to oral stimuli.

Objective: We evaluated how prior consumption of an HFM or water load (WL) modulates reward, homeostatic, and taste brain responses to the subsequent delivery of oral fat.

Methods: A randomized 2-way crossover design spaced 1 wk apart was used to compare the prior consumption of a 250-mL HFM (520 kcal) [rapeseed oil (440 kcal), emulsifier, sucrose, flavor cocktail] or noncaloric WL on brain activation to the delivery of repeated trials of a flavored no-fat control stimulus (CS) or flavored fat stimulus (FS) in 17 healthy adults (11 men) aged 25 ± 2 y and with a body mass index (in kg/m²) of 22.4 ± 0.8. We tested differences in brain activation to the CS and FS and baseline cerebral blood flow (CBF) after the HFM and WL. We also tested correlations between an individual’s plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) concentration after the HFM and blood oxygenation level–dependent (BOLD) activation of brain regions.

Results: Compared to the WL, consuming the HFM led to decreased anterior insula taste activation in response to both the CS (36.3%; P < 0.05) and FS (26.5%; P < 0.05). The HFM caused reduced amygdala activation (25.1%; P < 0.01) in response to the FS compared to the CS (fat-related satiety). Baseline CBF significantly reduced in taste (insula: 5.7%; P < 0.01), homeostatic (hypothalamus: 9.2%, P < 0.01; thalamus: 5.1%, P < 0.05), and reward areas (striatum: 9.2%; P < 0.01) after the HFM. An individual’s plasma CCK concentration correlated negatively with brain activation in taste and oral somatosensory ( = –0.39; P < 0.05) and reward areas ( = –0.36; P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Our results in healthy adults show that an HFM suppresses BOLD activation in taste and reward areas compared to a WL. This understanding will help inform the reformulation of reduced-fat foods that mimic the brain’s response to high-fat counterparts and guide future interventions to reduce obesity.

From: Eldeghaidy, S., Marciani, L., Hort, J., Hollowood, T., Singh, G., Bush, D., Foster, T., Taylor, A. J., Busch, J., Spiller, R. C., Gowland, P. A., Francis, S. T. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/146/11/2187?rss=1

Commercial Dairy Cow Milk microRNAs Resist Digestion under Simulated Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: MicroRNAs are small, gene-regulatory noncoding RNA species present in large amounts in milk, where they seem to be protected against degradative conditions, presumably because of their association with exosomes.

Objective: We monitored the relative stability of commercial dairy cow milk microRNAs during digestion and examined their associations with extracellular vesicles (EVs).

Methods: We used a computer-controlled, in vitro, gastrointestinal model TNO intestinal model-1 (TIM-1) and analyzed, by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the concentration of 2 microRNAs within gastrointestinal tract compartments at different points in time. EVs within TIM-1 digested and nondigested samples were studied by immunoblotting, dynamic light scattering, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and density measurements.

Results: A large quantity of dairy milk Bos taurus microRNA-223 (bta-miR-223) and bta-miR-125b (~10⁹–10¹⁰ copies/300 mL milk) withstood digestion under simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions, with the stomach causing the most important decrease in microRNA amounts. A large quantity of these 2 microRNAs (~10⁸–10⁹ copies/300 mL milk) was detected in the upper small intestine compartments, which supports their potential bioaccessibility. A protocol optimized for the enrichment of dairy milk exosomes yielded a 100,000 x g pellet fraction that was positive for the exosomal markers tumor susceptibility gene-101 (TSG101), apoptosis-linked gene 2–interacting protein X (ALIX), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and containing bta-miR-223 and bta-miR-125b. This approach, based on successive ultracentrifugation steps, also revealed the existence of ALIX^–, HSP70^–/low, and TSG101^–/low EVs larger than exosomes and 2–6 times more enriched in bta-miR-223 and bta-miR-125b (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that commercial dairy cow milk contains numerous microRNAs that can resist digestion and are associated mostly with ALIX^–, HSP70^–/low, and TSG101^–/low EVs. Our results support the existence of interspecies transfer of microRNAs mediated by milk consumption and challenge our current view of exosomes as the sole carriers of milk-derived microRNAs.

From: Benmoussa, A., Lee, C. H. C., Laffont, B., Savard, P., Laugier, J., Boilard, E., Gilbert, C., Fliss, I., Provost, P. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/146/11/2206?rss=1

Breast-Milk Cortisol and Cortisone Concentrations Follow the Diurnal Rhythm of Maternal Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activity [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Very preterm infants often receive donor milk from mothers who deliver at term, but its composition differs from that of their own mother’s milk. Because breast-milk glucocorticoids can support developing neonates, we explored concentration variability within and between mothers.

Objective: We hypothesized that breast-milk glucocorticoid concentrations would be higher after very preterm delivery [gestational age (GA) <32 wk; study 1] and would follow the diurnal rhythm of maternal adrenocortical activity (study 2).

Methods: Study 1 assessed differences in milk cortisol, cortisone, and the cortisone-to-(cortisol+cortisone) ratio of mothers who delivered at (median) GA: 28.6 wk or at term weekly during the first month postpartum. Study 2 assessed variations in milk cortisol, cortisone, and the cortisone-to-(cortisol+cortisone) ratio over 24 h, and tested Pearson correlations between milk and salivary concentrations in mothers who delivered at term (median GA: 38.9 wk) during week 4 postpartum. In these studies, foremilk glucocorticoids were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Associations of milk cortisol, milk cortisone, and the milk cortisone-to-(cortisol+cortisone) ratio with prematurity (study 1) or collection time (study 2) were studied with longitudinal data analyses.

Results: In study 1, giving birth to a very preterm infant was associated with reductions in milk cortisol and cortisone concentrations of 50% (β: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.99; P = 0.05) and 53% (β: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.93; P = 0.03), respectively, when adjusted for collection time. In study 2, concentrations of milk cortisol and cortisone were associated with collection time (both P < 0.01), peaking at ~0700. Milk and salivary concentrations of cortisol (r = 0.92, P < 0.01) and cortisone (r = 0.93, P < 0.01) as well as the cortisone-to-(cortisol+cortisone) ratio (r = 0.64, P < 0.01) were correlated with one another.

Conclusions: Breast-milk glucocorticoid concentrations follow the diurnal rhythm of maternal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and are lower in mothers who deliver very preterm.

From: van der Voorn, B., de Waard, M., van Goudoever, J. B., Rotteveel, J., Heijboer, A. C., Finken, M. J. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/146/11/2174?rss=1

Egg Consumption Increases Vitamin E Absorption from Co-Consumed Raw Mixed Vegetables in Healthy Young Men [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Most people living in the United States underconsume vitamin E, and dietary approaches to increase the absorption of vitamin E may help individuals to meet their body’s needs.

Objective: We assessed the effect of adding cooked whole egg to a raw mixed-vegetable salad on α-tocopherol and -tocopherol absorption.

Methods: With the use of a randomized-crossover design, 16 healthy young men [mean ± SD age: 24 ± 4 y; mean ± SD body mass index (in kg/m²): 24 ± 2] consumed the same salad (all served with 3 g canola oil) with no egg [control (CON)], with 75 g cooked egg [low egg (LE)], or with 150 g cooked egg [high egg (HE)]; a 1-wk dietary washout period was included between trials. For the first 7 d of each trial, participants consumed a low–vitamin E diet to reduce plasma vitamin E concentrations. Blood was collected hourly for 10 h and the triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein fractions (TRLs) were isolated. α-Tocopherol and -tocopherol concentrations in TRLs were analyzed and composite areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated.

Results: The α-tocopherol 0- to 10-h AUCs (AUCs_{0–10 h}) in TRLs was higher (P < 0.05) for the HE trial (least-squares mean ± SE: 981 ± 162 nmol/L ⋅ 10 h) than for the LE (311 ± 162 nmol/L ⋅ 10 h) and CON (117 ± 162 nmol/L ⋅10 h) trials, which did not differ from one another. The -tocopherol AUCs_{0–10 h} in TRLs was also higher (P < 0.05) for the HE trial (402 ± 54 nmol/L ⋅ 10 h) than for the CON trial (72 ± 54 nmol/L ⋅ 10 h).

Conclusion: The consumption of cooked whole eggs is an effective way to increase the absorption of α-tocopherol and -tocopherol from a co-consumed meal that naturally contains vitamin E, such as a raw mixed-vegetable salad, in healthy young men. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01951313.

From: Kim, J. E., Ferruzzi, M. G., Campbell, W. W. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/146/11/2199?rss=1

A New Life: The Journey of Vivian Tsai at Mayo Clinic

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s935YZj2vQY

DNA may play a role in when you have kids

Scientists have identified areas in our DNA associated with the age of first childbirth and how many children a person has

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dna-may-play-a-role-in-when-you-choose-to-have-kids/

Why Do I Have Knee Pain?

Are your knees bothering you? That pain and soreness needs some TLC. Get tips, from acupuncture to shoe shopping.

From: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/discomfort-15/common-pain/tips-for-sore-knees?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Stressed-Out Mate Bad for Your Waistline

Spouse's chronic stress takes a toll on partner's health, study suggests

From: http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/news/20161101/stressed-out-mate-bad-for-your-waistline?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic Minute: 5 steps to diabetic foot care

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SulNOSMMNLY

Share your 2017 New Year's practice resolutions with the editors of Dental Practice Success

What plans do you have for making 2017 your best practice year ever?
Do you want to build, open or renovate a practice? Or get more involved with continuing education or organized dentistry? Or add more balance between your practice and your life? Whatever your resolution, we encourage you to share it with Dental Practice Success today at websurveys.ada.org/s/2017dps/.


From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/november/share-your-2017-new-years-practice-resolutions-with-the-editors-of-dental-practice-success

CMS delays Medicare Part D enforcement date to 2019

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Oct. 31 that it is once again delaying the enforcement of the Medicare Part D prescriber enrollment requirement.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/november/cms-delays-medicare-part-d-enforcement-date-to-2019

Each Day in the Womb Ups Babies' Brain Development

Growth is exponential in third trimester, researchers report

From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20161031/every-day-in-the-womb-boosts-babies-brain-development-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Obamacare open enrollment begins as rates spike

Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act begins today. Problems with the law and insurers pulling out of markets mean consumers could face significant rate hikes in some parts of the country. Margaret Brennan speaks to Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell and a Tennessee family who will soon be impacted by the price hike.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/obamacare-open-enrollment-begins-as-rates-spike/

Why experts recommend newborns sleep in their parents’ room for the first year

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

If there’s anything parents of newborns are, it’s sleep-deprived. So getting the news that experts recommend that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents for the first 6-12 months was not exactly great news to those parents who are awakened by every snort and whimper. It also didn’t feel like great news to those couples that like a little, well, privacy from time to time.

But here’s the thing: keeping your baby in your room can cut the risk of sudden death by 50%, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Every year, about 3,500 babies die of sudden unexplained infant death (SUID). Some die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), some die from accidental strangulation or suffocation, and some die for reasons we never figure out. While there is much we don’t know about these deaths, we do know that putting babies on their backs rather than their tummies to sleep makes a difference (some babies don’t lift their heads even when they can and should), as does keeping the crib as bare as possible (to prevent suffocation and strangulation). And the studies show that when babies sleep in the same room as their parents, it makes a difference too.

We don’t know exactly why it makes a difference, but certainly it is good when parents can see and hear their babies and respond to them. While technology can help parents be aware of their baby in another room, it’s not the same as having them within arm’s reach. Because the risk of sudden death is highest in the first 6 months, the AAP strongly recommends keeping the baby in the parents’ room for at least that long but says that doing it for a full year is even better.

The AAP makes a distinction between “room-sharing” and “bed-sharing,” saying that they recommend the former and not the latter. Bed-sharing can clearly make nighttime breastfeeding easier — and actually, the AAP says that if there’s a chance you are going to fall asleep while feeding your baby, you’re safer doing it in bed than in an armchair or on a sofa. But there are real risks to sharing a bed with your newborn. Every year babies suffocate in pillows or bedding, fall out of bed, or get smothered when a parent rolls over on them. It’s rare, but it happens. Many families use a “co-sleeper” that attaches to the bed; while they can be a nice way to bed-share without bed-sharing, they can be risky if not attached properly and if babies are left unattended in them. The safest choice is a bassinet or crib in the room with the parents.

Now, it’s important to keep the big picture in mind. There’s more to parenting than any one recommendation, and so very many factors affect the health of children from birth onward. Parents who just cannot sleep with their baby nearby may simply not be able to pull this off. And while parents can be intimate other places besides the bedroom, if relationships are starting to really suffer that’s not good for babies either. As with everything in parenting and life, balance and common sense are key. But if parents can manage, it’s worth doing something that can make a real difference.

Six months to a year can feel like an eternity, but it’s not. Before you know it, children are grown, doing things like dating and asking for car keys. Not only does that bring a whole new kind of sleep deprivation, it may leave you wistful for the days when they were close to you all the time.

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The post Why experts recommend newborns sleep in their parents’ room for the first year appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Claire McCarthy, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/experts-recommend-newborns-sleep-parents-room-first-year-2016110110617

Updates in Family Medicine 2017: Quick Cases

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2twcQoJFJ8

USDA Announces $331 Million Investment for Clean Water Infrastructure in Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $331 million in 85 projects that will improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural areas in 39 states and American Samoa. Community infrastructure investments are a key piece of USDA’s mission to support America’s rural communities, and these investments build on the $13.9 billion USDA has invested over the course of the Obama Administration to support 5,825 water and waste infrastructure projects that currently benefit 19.5 million rural residents.

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/11/0235.xml&contentidonly=true

With insurers leaving markets, some Obamacare users "really nervous"

Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act is underway, but problems with the law mean consumers could face significant rate hikes​ in places like Nashville

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obamacare-affordable-care-act-rising-premiums-insurers-pull-out-of-market/