12 days ago
NEW YORK (NBC) -- The H1N1 virus continues its fight to get on campus, infecting a mass amount of colleges in the nation. That story tops our healthbeat headlines.
Story #1 - H1N1 Colleges
The swine flu has hit college campuses nationwide, but few students have been able to get the vaccine. In its weekly report, the American College Health Association finds flu-like illnesses have infiltrated 97% of universities. Virtually all of the confirmed flu cases so far have been H1N1. The organization tracks inllnesses in 274 colleges across the country. The report also finds that during October, just 43% of those colleges had received the H1N1 vaccine. Most cases appear to be mild.
Story #2 - Acetaminophen Asthma
A review of research suggests using the common pain reliever, acetaminophen, might increase the risk for asthma in children and adults. Researchers in Canada looked at 19 clinical studies, which included data on nearly a half million people. Those who'd used acetaminophen had a slightly increased risk for developing asthma within a year. It's unclear why this might be, and researchers are calling for more studies to confirm this.
Story #3 - Antibiotics and Parents
Some pediatricians might prescribe unnecessary antibiotics, sipmly because they feel parents want them. A study of pediatricians in Italy finds the expectation of parents is one of the biggest factors in handing out antibiotics. This was especially true when doctors weren't sure what was causing the child's illness. Experts say over-prescribing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The flu and colds are viruses and are not affected by antibiotics.
Story #4 - Baby Language
Babies may be learning their native language, even while they're still in the womb! European researchers studied the cries of 60 babies - half from French families and half from German families. They found distinct differences in the melodies and intesities of the babies' wails. Experts say babies can begin hearing their moms' voices and other sounds from the third trimester of pregnancy.
Story #5 - Play Clothes
A big reason kids might not get the exercise they need during the day, might be that parents are not dressing their kids appropriately. In a study of 34 child care centers, researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital say kids' clothing was a significant barrier to going outside to play. Either they did not have coats or gloves in the winter, wore hazardous shoes like flip flops or were sent to school or daycare in 'nice' or 'expensive' clothing that parents didn't want ruined. Three quarters of kids between the ages of 3 and 6 attend child care.
