Stem Cells May Help Heart Attack Victims
Researchers in Germany and Hong Kong treated a total of 14 patients with coronary artery disease, and most showed improved blood flow in the clogged areas of the heart.

The stem cells were injected into the heart and were thought to grow new blood vessels around the clogged blood vessels in the heart, thus restoring blood flow to the damaged heart tissue. More research is needed to confirm the usefulness of this procedure.

Dr. Sears comments: stem cells are immature cells that live in the bone marrow. They can rapidly divide and grow into various types of body tissue. Not only are stem cells used to treat blood cancers, but research is showing promising results in restoring damaged nerve, heart, and other tissues. Click here to read more about stem cells and how to save and bank your newborns stem cells for the future.

Antibiotic Prescriptions Decline for Kids
A recent study showed that the rate of antibiotic prescriptions for kids decreased by 41% between 1995 and 1999. This is largely due to stricter guidelines for antibiotic use published by the nations medical advisory boards.

Dr. Sears comments: It is good to see this trend. Many common colds and coughs and mild ear infections don't need antibiotics, even when there's "green stuff". Click here to read about proper antibiotic use for colds and coughs.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers Urged to Stay Away from French Fries and Potato Chips
It has been known since last year that these foods contain a cancer-causing chemical called acrylamide. But there is new worry that the brains of developing babies may be especially susceptible to the toxic effects of this chemical. A German researcher found that acrylamide passes into the placenta and into breastmilk.

Dr. Sears comments: I agree with this precaution. Read more about acrylamide in our news stories from April 2002 and June 2002.

Parent-Infant Sleep Sharing on the Rise in U.S.
A recent phone survey conducted between 1993 and 2000 of over 8,000 families showed that in 1993 only 5.5% of parents shared sleep on a regular basis with their baby, and by 2000, this increased to 13%. Half of those surveyed had shared sleep with their babies at some point in the past 2 weeks.

Dr. Sears comments: I believe babies and parents should sleep wherever everyone sleeps best. Parents that choose to share sleep with their babies can now "rest" assured that they are in good company. Click here to read how to safely share sleep with your baby.

Skiers at Risk for Skin Cancer Researchers measured the UV radiation in Vale Colorado over 2 winter months and found the amount of UV radiation was the same as a summer day at the beach in Florida.

Dr. Sears comments: Skiers beware. Wear sunscreen and protect yourself from future skin cancer.

Antibiotics May Cause Intestinal Obstruction in Kids
A small study has shown that taking antibiotics may be a contributing factor in causing intussusception, the most common form of intestinal blockage in kids. The researchers in Alabama looked at 93 kids who were admitted for intussusception. It was found that 1 in 4 kids had taken antibiotics in the past 48 hours. When these 93 kids were compared to 350 kids who came to the ER for other reasons, it was found the kids who had taken antibiotics were 4 times more likely to have intussusception. Kids who took a particular class of antibiotics, called cephalosporins, were 20 times more likely to have the problem.

Dr. Sears comments: the authors of this study, and I agree, stress that this is a small study, and a better, larger study needs to be done before these results can be believed. But, this is another reason not to take antibiotics frivolously.

Obesity May Take 10 Years Off Your Life
Two national research surveys have shown that severely obese people have a decreased lifespan by an average of 10 years. Body Mass Index (BMI), a measurement that considers your weight compared to your height, was used to determine the level of obesity. A BMI over 45 is considered severely obese. Over 30 is considered obese, and 26 to 29 is thought to be overweight. A BMI of 25 or less is considered healthy. As an example, a 5 feet, 4 inch tall person weighing 262 pounds would have a BMI of 45.

Dr. Sears comments: this isn't really news, but it does confirm the importance of living a healthy life. Click here to read about the LEAN program.

Vegan Diets May Risk Infant's Intellectual Development
Two cases of severe Vitamin B-12 deficiency in infants were recently reported to the CDC. In both cases, the infants were breastfed by moms who were eating a Vegan diet (no animal products - only plant-based foods). The infants showed slowed growth and delayed mental development. It is known that the main dietary sources of Vitamin B-12 are meat, diary products and eggs. Therefore, vegetarians who do eat dairy and eggs are not at risk of this, but true vegans are. It is suggested that vegans who are pregnant or breastfeeding take a multivitamin that includes 100% RDA of B-12. Children who are vegans should also be supplemented with B-12.

Dr. Sears comments: this issue has been known for a long time. These two cases are just a reminder. I do support Vegan and Vegetarian diets, but Vitamin B-12 is one thing to keep in mind. Click here for a full discussion on vegetarian diets and kids.