News of Interest to Moms October 21, 2009

News to know:


Study: Normal Mercury Levels Found in Autistic Children
Two to five-year-old children diagnosed with autism or autism spectrum disorders (AU/ASD) had blood mercury levels similar to other children, according to a study to be published in Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP).
Some people believe there is a link between autism and mercury because of its toxicity.

Prolonged Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use May Lead to Speech Impediments
Using bottles and pacifiers, as well as thumb sucking, may increase the risk of speech disorders in young children, according to researchers.
After evaluating 128 three to five year olds, researchers found delaying bottle use until a child was at least 9 months old reduced the risk of developing speech disorders. Children who sucked their fingers or used a pacifier for more than three years were three times more likely to develop speech impediments.

AAP Advises Docs Learn About Kids' Media Use
Pediatricians should find out what their patients watch and listen to, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Music plays an important role in the socialization of children and adolescents, according to an AAP policy statement, and an increasing number of studies are showing that violence in music, movies, television, and video games is affect young people's behavior.
Read the policy statements href="http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/MediaViolenceLyrics.cfm">here.

The 100 Best (and Worst) Places to Raise Kids
The editors of Children's Health considered more than 30 factors that parents deem vitally important, including crime and safety, education, economics, housing, cultural attractions, and health. (See criteria)

Plum Organics Recalling Baby Food Contaminated with Botulism-Causing Bacteria
Plum Organics voluntarily recalled portions of its Apple & Carrot Baby Food in Portable Pouches.
A letter on the Web site said the "formulation was incorrect" and that a "mixing error resulted in an improper blend of carrots and apples."
The mixing error resulted in the baby food being contaminated with clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. No injuries or illnesses have been reported.
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Product recalled has a best buy date of May 21, 2010 and is marked with the following number “890180001221” located at the bottom of the package.