Antihistamines May Prolong Ear Infections
A study of 179 children looking at various methods for treating ear infections showed those who used antihistamines took longer for their ear fluid to drain.

Dr. Sears comments: Although antihistamines are normally used to treat allergies, they are often included as an ingredient in cold medications. Their sedative effect can also help kids sleep through the pain of an ear infection. This was a small study, and further research is needed to know for sure if antihistamines interfere with ear fluid draining from the middle ear during an ear infection.

Antibiotic Use in Infancy May Increase Risk of Asthma and Eczema
A Detroit study of 445 kids showed that those who received antibiotics in the first 6 months of life were 1.5 times more likely to suffer from allergic disease during childhood. More specifically, they were 2.5 more likely to suffer from allergic asthma. The theory behind these findings is that antibiotic exposure eliminates the healthy bacteria that live in the intestines. These healthy bacteria, called probiotics, play an important role in our immune system and prevention of allergic diseases.

Dr. Sears comments: When antibiotics are needed, it is helpful to give a probiotic powder during and after the antibiotic course to replenish the intestinal bacteria. This study shows the importance of using antibiotics appropriately only when needed. Click here to view Dr. Sears Webcast on Probiotics and the Immune System.

Children's Dieting May Actually Increase Weight Gain
A Boston study of 16,000 boys and girls ages 9 to 14 showed that those who reported trying various diet plans actually gained more weight in the long run than their non-dieting peers, despite eating fewer calories and being more active. Two explanations for this finding were that dieting kids were more likely to engage in binge eating and that dieting alters a child's metabolism in a way that actually increases weight gain.

Dr. Sears comments: This is not a new finding. Earlier research also has shown similar results. The key to staying fit is not limiting how much you eat, rather it is changing what and how you eat and changing your whole lifestyle. The best solution to our growing problem with childhood obesity is our new LEAN Kids Program. Click here to find out more. Visit our here online store to order Dr. Sears LEAN Kids book.

Stem Cell Treatment Continues to Show Benefits for Heart Attack Victims
Researchers in Germany reported on a study of 28 heart attack patients who received stem cell infusions following a heart attack. The stem cells were taken from the patient's own blood or bone marrow. These special immature blood cells have the ability to change and grow into various body tissue types, including forming new heart tissue. A unique finding in this study, however, was that the biggest factor that determined how much heart tissue was repaired was NOT the number of stem cells infused, but rather it was the health of the stem cells and their ability to "migrate" to the damaged heart tissue. The researchers also found that age and high cholesterol affect the health of adult stem cells.

Dr. Sears comments: It is known that cord blood stem cells are much healthier and have far greater capacity for healing than do adult stem cells that have been affected by age. This study further suggests the importance of banking a baby's cord blood stem cells at the time of birth in case they are needed later in life. Click here to read more.

Next Year Flu Shot Will Be Recommended for All Infants Ages 6 to 23 Months
In past years the flu shot has just been recommended for infants with chronic heart, lung and immune diseases. It had also been "suggested" for healthy infants. The Centers for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has been debating for years whether or not ALL infants should get the shot, or just those with chronic medical problems. For the first time, the Committee voted unanimously this month (Oct. 2003) that ALL infants 6 to 23 months, and their family members, should receive the flu shot. The Flu kills about 35,000 Americans each year, mostly elderly over 65. But these deaths do include some infants each year and the new plan is designed to prevent such deaths. The new plan goes into effect NEXT year, starting in the fall of 2004.

Dr. Sears comments: This policy means that it's up to parents to decide with their own doctors whether they want to give their infant this extra shot each October or November (2 shots are required the first year it is given for it to work), or if they instead want to risk their child catching the flu, which in the vast majority of cases is troublesome but harmless. Click here for a full discussion on the Flu.

New Study Tries to Link Co-Sleeping with an Increased Risk of Infant Suffocation During Sleep

Dr. Sears comments: A study published this month in Pediatrics once again attempts to find an increased risk of infant suffocation deaths in parents' beds. The study examined all suffocation deaths during sleep that were reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission during the 1980s and 90s. They determined that there were more such deaths reported in an adult bed than in a crib. They also used a survey of infant sleep position and practices to gather data on the U.S. population infant sleep practices. Their conclusion was that sleeping in a crib is much safer.

The reality is that research from around the world has shown that the chance of an infant dying of SIDS or any other sleep-related accident is profoundly greater in a crib versus co-sleeping with a parent in an adult bed. It is true, the CPSC did receive more reports of infant suffocation (not considered SIDS) in a bed versus a crib, but what the CPSC is failing to acknowledge is that for every 1 infant suffocation report that they receive in an adult bed, they get numerous reports of crib deaths (SIDS deaths in a crib).

The truth really comes down to this: a baby's chance of dying while asleep is many, many times higher in a crib than an adult bed.

Click here to read more about how to share sleep with your baby SAFELY.