Children's Health: Weaker breaths in kids linked to early pesticide exposure ♦ Newborns in intensive care exposed to thirdhand smoke residue ♦ Teaching parents about the importance of breakfast

Weaker breaths in kids linked to early pesticide exposure A new study links early exposure to organophosphate pesticides -- widely used in agriculture -- to reduced lung capacity in kids. The findings are the first to show exposure effects on lung health in children

Teens know dangers of driving and cellphone use, yet do it anyway Researchers sat down with 30 teens to better understand their perceptions of driving and distractions such as cell-phone use. Their ultimate goal is to develop an intervention to keep teens safe on the roadways

Teaching parents about the importance of breakfast has benefits for both parent and child Both in-person and online education are effective in reducing breakfast-skipping and improving nutrition in children

Newborns in intensive care exposed to thirdhand smoke residue Despite hospitals operating a smoke free policy, newborns in intensive care may still be exposed to thirdhand smoke residue from their smoker parents,

Children's Health: How a raisin can predict a toddler's future academic ability ♦ Infants with blind parents pay less attention to eyes ♦ Link between breakfast quality and educational outcomes

Study provides strongest evidence yet of a link between breakfast quality and educational outcomes A new study of 5,000 9- to 11-year-olds demonstrates significant positive associations between breakfast consumption and educational outcomes.The research found that the odds of an above average Teacher Assessment score were up to twice as high for pupils who ate breakfast.

More than 8 percent of children with cancer have genetic predisposition, The most detailed analysis yet of the role germline mutations in genes associated with cancer predisposition play in the development of childhood cancer suggests that comprehensive genomic screening may be warranted on all pediatric cancer patients, not just those with a family history of cancer

How a raisin can predict a toddler's future academic ability A simple test using a raisin can predict how well a toddler will perform academically at age eight,.

Infants with blind parents pay less attention to eyes For parents of young children, there are few milestones more memorable than that first word. But people communicate an awful lot to each other without ever saying anything at all. So, how do infants learn to communicate with the people around them nonverbally, through eye contact? Researchers have some new insight into this silent form of communication from an unlikely source: the sighted children of blind parents

Turkey and pork products recalled

Good Food Made Simple, is recalling approximately 3,574 pounds of previously exported and pork strips and turkey sausage breakfast bowls that were returned from Canada and were not presented for U.S. returned export inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Without the opportunity of inspection, a possibility of adverse health consequences exists.

The following products are subject to recall

• 1998.75 lbs. (533 cases) of “Good Food Made Simple Turkey Sausage Breakfast Burrito” bearing expiration date “03/22/2016.”
• 1575 lbs. (450 cases) of “Good Food Made Simple Pork Strips & Turkey Sausage Breakfast Bowl” bearing expiration date “03/19/2016.”

The products were exported to Canada, brought back into the United States, and distributed in California without the opportunity for FSIS to inspect.

The problem was discovered during failure to present monitoring. FSIS and the company have received no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.  

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Corinne Lupi, sales and marketing administrator at Good Food Made Simple, at clupi@foodmark.com.

Childrens Health: Longer breastfeeding linked with higher IQ ♦ Better breakfast, better grades ♦ New measures approved for childhood sleep apnea + more

New quality measures approved for childhood sleep apnea  A work group of physicians from across the United States has developed new quality measures for the detection and treatment of childhood obstructive sleep apnea , a potentially morbid, life-altering condition that affects hundreds of thousands of children and adolescents nationwide. Continue Reading

Some things hugs can't fix: Parental warmth does not remove anxiety that follows punishment  A loving mom can't overcome the anxiety and aggression caused by corporal punishment, and  her otherwise warm demeanor may make it worse, according to recent research Continue Reading

Better breakfast, better grades The connection between good nutrition and good grades has been reinforced by new research that finds that free school breakfasts help students from low-income families perform better academically Continue Reading

Schools using out-of-school suspension drug policy show increased likelihood of marijuana use  Schools where administrators report using out-of-school suspension to enforce drug policy and where students report low policy enforcement, regardless of the type of drug policy adopted, show an increased likelihood of marijuana use, according to new research. Schools that used abstinence-based prevention and those that counseled students about the dangers of marijuana use showed a lower likelihood of marijuana use. Continue Reading

Longer duration of breastfeeding linked with higher adult IQ and earning ability  Longer duration of breastfeeding is linked with increased intelligence in adulthood, longer schooling, and higher adult earnings, a study following a group of almost 3,500 newborns for 30 years Continue Reading

2/28/15 Health News: Secret Treaty Leads to Food Safety Labeling Concerns ♦ NC Salmonella Outbreak ♦ Oat breakfast cereals may contain mold-related toxin ♦ Plus More

Trans-Pacific Partnership could prevent clearer food – health advocates Australia’s Pacific free-trade deal could stand in the way of clear country-of-origin labelling being considered by the Abbott government in the wake of the hepatitis A outbreak linked to imported frozen berries Continue Reading

NC SALMONELLA OUTBREAK LINKED TO RE-COOKED PULLED PORK  A Salmonella outbreak in North Carolina this past fall that sickened dozens of people has been linked to re-cooked pulled pork served at a church conference. According to news reports published Friday, the problem was probably smoked Boston butt prepared overnight by a member of the Living Word Tabernacle Church in Bessemer City, NC, and then re-cooked the... Continue Reading

Oat breakfast cereals may contain a common mold-related toxin  Oats are often touted for boosting heart health, but scientists warn that the grain and its products might need closer monitoring for potential mold contamination. They report that some oat-based breakfast cereals in the US contain a mold-related toxin called ochratoxin A that's been linked to kidney cancer in animal studies Continue Reading

Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D may control brain serotonin, affecting behavior and psychiatric disorders  Although essential marine omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D have been shown to improve cognitive function and behavior in the context of certain brain disorders, the underlying mechanism has been unclear. In a new paper, serotonin is explained as the possible missing link tying together why vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acids might ameliorate the symptoms associated with a broad array of brain disorders.Continue Reading

Adults with disabilities screened for cancer less often  Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are much less likely to be screened for colorectal cancer, research shows. "As individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live longer, their risk of developing chronic conditions like cancer increases. Suboptimal screening may contribute to a greater cancer burden," Continue Reading

Meat and Poultry Breakfast Products Recalled Due to Listeria

Buddy’s Kitchen, a Burnsville, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 62,488 pounds of meat and poultry products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The meat and poultry breakfast products were produced on various dates from July 16, 2014 through Sept. 25, 2014, and then shipped to distributors, retail locations, and airlines nationwide. The following products are subject to recall:

• “Swiss Cheese and Mushroom Omelet with Seasonal Tid-Bit Potatoes & Turkey Buffet Sausage Link” trays with the production codes “07/16/14 9”, “08/08/14 9” and “08/27/14 9”.
• “Savory Scrambled Eggs with Seasoned Red Skin Potatoes and Turkey Buffet Links” with the production codes “09/19/14 9” and “09/22/14 9”.
• “Garden Omelet w/ Parslied Potatoes & Chicken Sausage Links” with the production codes “07/16/14 9”, “07/17/14 9”, “07/18/14 9”, “07/22/14 9”, “07/25/14 9”, “08/22/14 9”, “08/25/14 9”, “09/02/14 9”, “09/09/14 9” and “09/16/14 9”.
• “Fiesta Scramble Bowl with Sausage Links” with the production code “10I14 9”.
• “Breakfast Skillet Burrito with eggs, sausage and cheese” with the production codes “18G14 2”, “06I14 4”, “16G14 4”, “17G14 2”, “07H14 4”, “20H14 2”, “21H14 4”, “22H14 4” and “25H14 4”.

Case labels or packaging may bear the establishment number “EST. 4226” or “P-4226” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The problem was discovered when an FSIS product sample confirmed positive for Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). The tested product was held, and the recalling firm tested raw materials from the product and found that the roasted red skin potatoes, which were provided by an independent supplier, tested positive for Lm. The firm is recalling all products that used the confirmed positive potatoes.

Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers' freezers.

New Zealand: Woolworths Homebrand Honey Poppas Recalled

Food Product:	Breakfast Cereal
Name of Product and Identification	Woolworths Homebrand Honey Poppas 425g Best Before date: 03 JUL15 and 04 JUL 15 Please note: The date mark is located on the top of the pack.
Package Description & Size:	This product is sold in a 425g cardboard box.
NZ Distribution:	This product has been sold in Countdown, Fresh Choice and SuperValue stores throughout New Zealand from 14/07/2014.
Reason for Recall:	Progressive Enterprises Ltd is initiating a recall of Woolworths Homebrand Honey Poppas 425g as this product may contain glass.
Comments:	Consumers are advised to check the batch information on the product packaging. Affected product has the batch information listed above and should not be consumed. Food products containing foreign matter may cause injury. If you have consumed any of this product and have any concerns about your health, please contact your doctor or seek medical advice. Customers should return the product to their nearest Countdown, Fresh Choice or SuperValue store for a full refund or phone (09) 379-5350 or 0800 404040 with any queries. This recall does not affect any other Homebrand product.

Australia: Homebrand Honey Poppas 250g Breakfast Cereal Recalled

Homebrand Honey Poppas 250g Breakfast Cereal

The recall applies only to the above product with the Best Before dates of

07 JUL15 to 01 AUG 15 inclusive. No other products are affected by this recall.

The product is being recalled as it may contain glass.

The recalled product has been sold in Woolworths and Safeway Supermarkets Nationally from 14/07/2014.

Consumers should return it to their nearest Woolworths or Safeway Supermarket for a full refund. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.

Woolworths apologises to their customers for any inconvenience caused by this recall and if further information is required about the recall they are invited to call our Toll-free Customer Service number: 1800 103 515

Teens Skipping Breakfast Increases the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke or Type 2 Diabetes.

Skipping breakfast in the morning when you have teenagers, or simply to drink and eat something quickly, favors the possibility of being affected by the metabolic syndrome in adulthood. A research conducted by Umea University in Sweden,, reported eating habits 1083 teens at breakfast. They  evaluated then, 27 years later for the incidence of metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors that increase the chance of coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.. In the subjects participating in the Swedish study were found, in particular, excessive abdominal fat and higher levels of fasting blood glucose.The young people who skipped breakfast, had a higher incidence of adult metabolic syndrome 68%

The study shows that young people are used to doing a poor breakfast or skip it altogether, as adults have had a higher incidence of the metabolic syndrome 68%, compared to those who did a hearty breakfast. The Swedish researchers have come to this conclusion taking into account the socio-economic factors and lifestyles of the participants.