Health Headlines - November 9

Hair Bleach May Trigger Asthma

Hair stylists can develop occupational asthma and rhinitis (chronic runny nose) from exposure to chemicals called persulphate salts in hair bleaching agents, researchers say.

Vietnam to Produce Generic Bird-Flu Drug

Vietnam has reached an agreement with the Swiss manufacturer of the antiviral drug Tamiflu to allow the country to produce a generic version starting early next year in an effort to protect its population against bird flu, a Health Ministry official said Wednesday.

Birthing Classes

If you are having a child for the first time, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by questions, fears, and just not knowing what to expect. Many new parents find that birthing classes can really help calm their worries and answer many questions.

Infant Botulism

Infant botulism is an illness that can occur when a newborn ingests a specific type of bacteria that produce a toxin inside the body. The condition can be frightening because it can cause muscle weakness and breathing problems. But it is very rare: Fewer than 100 cases of infant botulism occur each year in the United States. Most of the babies who do get botulism recover fully.

Kids With Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a type of learning disability in which a child has difficulty learning to read and understand written language. Even kids with average or above-average intelligence, plenty of motivation, and ample opportunities to read can have dyslexia. Because kids with dyslexia have trouble making the basic connection between letters and their sounds, they often also have difficulty with spelling, writing, and speaking.

Report Finds Flaws in Mad Cow Test Program

Government investigators say testing is too slow at times to prevent cattle from eating feed that might be contaminated, just one flaw they cited in a program to help stop mad cow disease from spreading.

Syphilis rises in US but gonorrhea at new low - study

The number of U.S. syphilis cases rose for the fourth straight year in 2004, fueled by increases among men, while the gonorrhea disease rate reached a historic low, federal health researchers said on Tuesday.

Survey Looks at Ethics of Alzheimer's Trials

The majority of Americans approve of allowing patients with Alzheimer's disease to be enrolled in research studies -- even when they aren't able to provide their own consent, new research shows.

For Women, Laughter Is a Just Reward

The path to a good belly laugh may be strikingly different between women and men.

Pediatrician Counseling Boosts Gun Safety at Home

Pediatricians who provide brief counseling and training sessions on gun safety can greatly improve parents' gun-storage behaviors, a new study finds.

Aspirin May Help Prevent Throat Cancer

Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help prevent esophageal cancer from developing in patients with Barrett's esophagus, researchers report.

Antibiotics Still Prescribed Too Often

Despite widespread concern about the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, too many people are still receiving prescriptions for antibiotics they don't need.

Health Tip: Air Bags Can Harm Children

Although air bags are extremely effective in saving adult lives, they often do not have the same effect for children.

If it's necessary for your child to ride in the front seat of a car with a passenger air bag, follow these tips to prevent injuries, courtesy of the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania:

Secure the child in a restraint system that is correct for his size.
Move the front seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.
Do not allow the child to lean forward toward the dashboard.
Never allow a rear-facing infant to ride in front of a passenger air bag.

To ensure utmost safety, however, children should be seated in the back seat of the car, protected by safety seats.

Health Tip: Acne Isn't Just for Teens and Adults Anymore

Acne doesn't just appear on teenagers and adults.

It is also common on a baby's cheeks during the first few months of life, and is known as neonatal acne.

According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, neonatal acne is caused by hormonal stimulation of glands in the cheeks, and appears between the ages of 2 and 4 weeks. It consists of red bumps or pimples.

Parents should keep the baby's cheeks clean and dry, and know that baby lotions or oils can make the condition worse. However, the acne is temporary and should disappear by the ages of 4 months to 6 months.

If the rash spreads, gets worse, or the baby experiences a fever, parents should see a pediatrician.