A new study from Canada shows that preemies who are now in their 20′s  fare well in the long run. Most have jobs, and are living independently. This study included 130 families of babies with birth weight less than 900 grams, but none less than 700 grams, born between ’77-’82. Many had at least one neurological problem, including cerebral palsy. A major limitation is that most families in the study were white, relatively well-educated and higher-income, and covered by Canada’s universal healthcare system, so the results are not necessarily the same as the general population....

Last week two stories in the news broke my heart. The first, from the June issue of Pediatrics, mentions a study which found C-Sections may increase the risk of celiac disease, as opposed to  those infants born vaginally. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder which leads to inflammation of the gut when the person consumes any foods containing gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye). In terms of the western diet, that’s a toughie. The researchers have no certain understanding of the process at this point, but hypothesize that  perhaps the phenomenon is linked to the fact that...

Greetings, y’all~ I meant to post this sooner! Recently returned  from New Orleans to celebrate the Loyola University New Orleans School of Nursing graduation and commencement activities, including induction into Sigma Theta Tau, Nursing Honor Society. New Orleans is known for beauty (and fun),  but touring the environs after viewing the oil spill from the air makes visitors and locals alike shudder. However, New Orleans did not disappoint, despite the frustration, the heat, and the mess on the shores. Before I left the Bay Area, a friend whose father used to live in N.O. recommended a few...