Harvard: environmental chemicals linked to brain disorders (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.)

The recent increase in childhood neurodevelopmental delays and disabilities may be triggered by toxic chemicals in our environment, according to a new study released by Harvard School of Public Health and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The study, released a few weeks ago online in Lancet Neurology, indicates that children’s exposure to certain chemicals, includingContinue reading “Harvard: environmental chemicals linked to brain disorders (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.)”

Five worst ingredients in food

Buying processed food may be more convenient than making wholesome meals from scratch, but are you aware of the hidden ingredients lurking in foods that may wreak havoc on your health? There are literally thousands of food additives out there, and a lot of them are at the root of many health problems. Here areContinue reading “Five worst ingredients in food”

Autism (and other health conditions) linked to the gut?

New research published in December 2013’s Cell has revealed a possible link between the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the gut. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition often marked by decreased social interaction or impaired social skills. Researchers have found that changes in gut bacteria affected autism-like behaviour in mice. Many of the behavioural abnormalities, including anxiety-likeContinue reading “Autism (and other health conditions) linked to the gut?”

Bad breath? Bloated? Gassy? Time to heal your gut.

Many people take breath mints regularly in hopes to cover foul breath. Others experience bloating and discomfort after meals, but never wonder why their body is sending them this message. Loose or unformed stool (diarrhea) alternating with periods of constipation is rather common for busy people living in Hong Kong and other metropolitan cities. IfContinue reading “Bad breath? Bloated? Gassy? Time to heal your gut.”

Link between H1N1 vaccine and narcolepsy in children

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that causes excessive sleepiness and frequent daytime sleep attacks. In 2009, the H1N1 swine flu triggered the development of new vaccines, which were speedily introduced and given to many at the height of the pandemic. In 2010, researchers from Sweden and Finland reported a link between narcolepsy and a H1N1Continue reading “Link between H1N1 vaccine and narcolepsy in children”

Fevers: when (and when not) to be alarmed

When your child’s temperature rises, your stress levels may rise as well. A fever is not an illness, but rather a signal from the body that something is not right. Experts say that in healthy kids, fevers usually don’t indicate anything serious. In fact, a fever is a good thing in a way- This spike inContinue reading “Fevers: when (and when not) to be alarmed”

Breastfeeding: giving your newborn “liquid gold”

August 1st to 7th marked the annual World Breastfeeding Week. In Hong Kong, the statutory maternity leave lasts only 10 weeks, forcing many new moms back to work when the baby is not yet 3 months old. But fortunately, numerous moms decide to extend their maternity break with annual leave or non-paid leave to spend moreContinue reading “Breastfeeding: giving your newborn “liquid gold””

News alert: New Zealand milk powder products (including infant formula) contaminated with botulism bacteria

New Zealand’s Fonterra, the world’s largest dairy exporter, issued a warning yesterday that some of its products used in infant formula and sports drinks may contain a bacteria that causes botulism, which can lead to severe food poisoning, paralysis and even death. According to Fonterra, it sold New Zealand-made whey protein concentrate contaminated with the ClostridiumContinue reading “News alert: New Zealand milk powder products (including infant formula) contaminated with botulism bacteria”

Calcium and lactose intolerance

Calcium is an essential nutrient necessary for the development and maintenance of strong bones, teeth, muscles and nerves. It is also helpful in preventing heartburn, premenstrual syndrome and other ailments. For adult women and men, you should aim to get 1000mg of calcium each day. If you are pregnant, you should be getting 1300mg of calciumContinue reading “Calcium and lactose intolerance”

Ear infections: are antibiotics necessary?

Middle ear infections, also known as otitis media, are one of the most common infections among children, affecting 3 in 4 kids by the time they are three years old. Concerned parents are often eager to go to the doctor for antibiotics right away. But are antibiotics always necessary? What parents may not be awareContinue reading “Ear infections: are antibiotics necessary?”