Teens' idea of death risk linked with behavior

June 30, 2009 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A sizable minority of adolescents believe they are likely to die at a young age, and this perception is a powerful predictor of involvement in high risk behaviors and poor health outcomes, according to a report in the journal Pediatrics.

Phthalate exposure linked to low birth weight

June 30, 2009 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Findings from a study of Chinese newborns suggest that pregnant women exposed to phthalates -- plasticizer chemicals used in many consumer products -- increases the risk of low birth weight.

ADHD therapy may cut risk of psychiatric disorders

June 30, 2009 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - New research suggests that treatment with methylphenidate, sold as "Ritalin" and other trade names, or other stimulants may help prevent the development of additional psychiatric disorders, as well as improve school performance, in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Harder for heavy moms to see child's weight status

June 29, 2009 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The ability of a mother to identify a weight problem in her child appears to be dependent on her own weight, with overweight mothers tending to underestimate her child's weight. On the other hand, a mother's ability to correctly determine the weight status of a child who is unrelated to her appears to depend on her socioeconomic level, new research in Pediatrics shows.

Conversations with preschoolers aid language skills

June 29, 2009 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Parents should not only read to their preschoolers to boost their language development, but engage them in conversations as well, a study published Monday finds.