Mineral in Soy Formula may be Harmful
Insert Section Copy Here. Infant soy formula has 60 times the amount of manganese (a beneficial mineral) versus breastmilk. Infant milk-based formula has 5 times as much manganese versus breastmilk. A study was done to determine the effects of a high manganese diet. In the study, rats were fed various amounts of manganese in their diet. The rats that were fed an equivalent amount to that in soy formula showed decreased levels of dopamine (a brain chemical that aids in thinking and problem solving) in their brain, and had slightly more problems completing various tasks. Research has shown that some manganese miners suffer from a Parkinson's-like disorder due to manganese toxicity.

Dr. Sears comments: this is preliminary research, and the authors of the study warn that until further research is done on humans, we cannot say that soy formula is harmful. We know that no formula is ideal, and they all have some drawbacks. Breastfeeding is best. Infants who are allergic to cow's milk often use soy formula. However, this does raise the questions, "How much manganese is too much?" and "Does long-term soy formula use in infants cause cognitive problems?" We can't say that soy formula is harmful until more research is done in humans. If your infant is allergic to cow's milk formula, one alternative to soy formula is infant formula made from goat milk. Click here to read about how to make it.

50,000 Bikepro brand Baby Walkers Recalled
Pediatricians have long known that baby walkers (the type that babies sit in and can roll themselves around by scooting with their legs) are very unsafe and can interfere with proper leg development. Despite this, walkers continue to be made and sold in the U.S. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission mandated that walkers be made so they can't fit through a standard doorway and that they have features that stop walkers from moving past the top step of stairs. These Bikepro brand walkers do not meet these safety requirements.

Dr. Sears comments: the safest thing is to simply not use a walker. Exersaucers are fine though.

Duct Tape may be Better Cure for Warts than Other Treatments
Researchers in the state of Washington compared 25 people who had warts frozen several times by the doctor to 25 people who used the duct tape method. At the end of two months, duct tape seemed to work better - 85% of people had complete resolution of the warts, compared to 60% who had their warts frozen.

Dr. Sears comments: here is the procedure - apply a wart-sized piece of duct tape to the wart. Keep it on for one week, then soak it and peel off the tape. Rub the wart with emory board or pumice stone, then re-apply a new piece of tape for another week. If the tape comes off sooner, just put a new piece on. Repeat as long as necessary. This seems to work, and is cheaper and pain free. It is not known, however, if this method is better or faster than over-the-counter wart acid. Click here for a complete discussion on warts.

Allergy Medication Approved down to 6 months of age
The allergy medication Zyrtec (and antihistamine) has just been approved by the FDA as safe and effective for kids as young as 6 months of age.

Dr. Sears comments: Click here for a full discussion on allergies.

Cranberry Juice may Prevent Childhood Infections
A recent study showed that natural chemicals in the juice bind to a bacterium called Haemophilus Influenzae. This bug is the most common cause of ear infections, and a common cause of sinus and lung infections. The study showed that in a test tube the chemicals bound to the bacteria and prevented the bacteria from sticking to red blood cells and mouth cells.

Dr. Sears comments: This is promising information. However, this study was done in a test tube. We won't know for sure if cranberry juice decreases the incidence of these common childhood infections until a large study is done in humans. This is an excellent example of how nature can keep us healthy. Click here to read about more benefit of fruits and vegetables.

Long-term Breastfeeding May Lower the Mother's Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis
A recent study of 80,000 women assessed various hormonal and health issues. It was found that women who breastfeed their babies accumulative two years or longer during their lifetime, compared to women who breastfed for 3 months or less, had a 50% lower chance of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis, a chronic auto-immune disease in which a person's own immune system attacks their joints. The longer the breastfeeding, the lower the risk.

Dr. Sears comments: The important finding here is that EXTENDED breastfeeding is what showed this benefit, not just breastfeeding for a few months. This is another reason why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for AT LEAST one year for each baby. Click here for a full discussion on the many health benefits a mother receives from breastfeeding.