Usefulness of waist circumference for the identification of childhood hypertension. (J Hypertens. 2008) “CONCLUSION: High blood pressure is strongly associated with excess weight. Waist circumference improves the ability of BMI to identify hypertension in obese children. Waist circumference is related to absolute blood pressure values in all weight classes.”

A terrible ache that's not all in the head “ "The primary difference in children is that they can have migraine without headache pain. They are likely to have what's called 'abdominal migraine' which could be stomach ache in the navel area, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting." Young children find it hard to explain their migraine symptoms, and are less likely to be able to push for treatment, adds Little. "There's a lot of stigma attached to it as well. People think it's attention seeking without realising how serious it is," he says. "It can affect their lives very seriously and particularly their studies, so we target teachers with information to get them to recognise the effect it can have on young people and there are allowances in exams. … If your child has migraine, it's important to talk to the school and make them aware of the child's condition, particularly if it is likely to cause absence. The Migraine Association of Ireland also encourages parents to help their children learn the signs that a migraine is coming, so they can let the teacher know and better manage the attack if it happens in school. And they offer the following tips for approaching schoolwork: • Take frequent breaks from long periods of studying, particularly if using a computer screen or if the work is stressful • Eat regularly throughout the day • Get some exercise and fresh air during the day - walk or cycle to school if possible • Watch caffeine intake (present in coffee and some soft drinks) - drink plenty of water instead • Make the study environment as comfortable as possible: keep good posture, light the area well and do stretching exercises to avoid stiffness and tension …“

Allergic rhinitis in children. (Mo Med. 2008)

Anxiety and Somatic Complaints in Children with Recurrent Abdominal Pain and Anxiety Disorders. (J Pediatr Psychol. 2008)

Asthma mortality among Swedish children and young adults, a 10-year study. (Respir Med. 2008)

Pathogens Causing Recurrent and Difficult-to-Treat Acute Otitis Media, 2003-2006. (Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2008)

Pediatric Hypertension: Does It Have an Impact on Cognition? (Medscape Cardiology. 2008)

The role of extraesophageal reflux in otitis media in infants and children. (Laryngoscope. 2008)

Grandma And Grandpa Are Good For Children “The survey reveals that grandparents often have more time than working parents to support young people in activities and are well placed to talk to their grandchildren about any problems the young people may be experiencing. They were also found to be involved in helping to solve the young people’s problems, as well as talking with them about plans for their future.”

Lawmakers Agree to Ban Toxins in Children's Items

Longitudinal risk factors for persistent fatigue in adolescents. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008)

Radiology and Children: Extra Care Required

Tantrums — Understanding, Preventing and Surviving Them

How Independent Are Vaccine Defenders? “The vaccine industry gives millions to the Academy of Pediatrics for conferences, grants, medical education classes and even helped build their headquarters. The totals are kept secret, but public documents reveal bits and pieces.”

How to Stop the Hurt -- Sucrose Prior to Infant Vaccinations: A Best Evidence Review

Influenza Guidelines Updated “The main new recommendation from the ACIP involves influenza vaccination for children. The previous recommendation called for routine vaccination of children from 6 months through 59 months of age. The new recommendation calls for routine vaccination of children from 6 months to 18 years of age. Vaccination of this age group should begin in 2008 to 2009, with a goal of wider vaccination during the 2009 to 2010 influenza season. • Routine vaccination of children between the ages of 6 and 59 months should continue to be a primary focus of influenza prevention because these children are at higher risk for complications of influenza. • Children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years should receive 2 doses of influenza vaccine, separated by at least 4 weeks, if they have not been vaccinated against influenza during previous influenza seasons. If a child was previously vaccinated but received only 1 dose of vaccine, 2 doses are still required. “

Kids' combination vaccines cut number of required shots “The Food and Drug Administration in June approved a pair of vaccines that provide as many as five childhood immunizations in one shot. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices followed up on this action by recommending that the vaccines be incorporated into the regular immunization schedule.”

Prevention of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria among pregnant and postpartum women and their infants. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). (2008)

Is pacifier use a risk factor for acute otitis media? A dynamic cohort study. (Fam Pract. 2008) “CONCLUSION: Pacifier use appears to be a risk factor for recurrent AOM. Parents should be informed about the possible negative effects of using a pacifier once their child has been diagnosed with AOM to avoid recurrent episodes.”

Prenatal Exposure to Maternal Infections and Epilepsy in Childhood: A Population-Based Cohort Study (PEDIATRICS 2008) “CONCLUSIONS. Prenatal exposure to some maternal infections was associated with an increased risk for epilepsy in childhood.”

Torn ACLs, Other Big Injuries Hit Little Athletes

Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep “If you are pregnant—or know anyone who is—you need to know about “group B strep”. Group B streptococcal bacteria (also called GBS, group B strep, or baby strep) is very common to all types of women and can be passed on to a baby during childbirth. Your baby can get very sick and even die if you are not tested and treated.”

Risk Of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Increased By Smoking During Pregnancy

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: New Clue