Pregnant women are at the top of the CDC’s list to be vaccinated against H1N1 flu when vaccine becomes available, probably some time in October. No shortage of vaccine is expected, but the first batches could be accessible in limited supply, so the agency is working to target those at highest risk first.
The list of priority groups recommended by their Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is as follows:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old
- Health care and emergency workers
- People ages 6 months to 24 years
- People ages 25 to 64 with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems
Experts say vaccine is expected to be available for the 159 million people in these priority groups, plus everyone else who wants a shot. And they stress that this vaccine won’t replace your regular annual flu shot. So roll up both sleeves.
Ten minutes of extra exercise per day at age 5 adds up to one-third of a pound less fat at ages 8 and 11. What’s more, every hour kids spend couch-potato style during the day means it takes them three minutes longer to fall asleep – and poor sleep patterns have been linked with increased risk for obesity.
Hospital Compare, a Web site maintained by the department of Health and Human Services, offers information you can use to help choose among your local hospitals. You can find hospitals in your area, check out measures of their performance related to heart attack, asthma, and other conditions, and even view surveys of patients’ experiences. The site has been providing hospital data to the public since 2005, and has information on more than 4,700 acute-care hospitals across the country. They also offer a 
I’ll be having my very first mammogram a week from today, so I was more interested than usual by recent news about this essential screening tool.
Ever heard of PAHs? If you live in an urban area, you’ve almost certainly breathed them. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are chemicals released into the air when we burn coal, diesel, oil or gas, or even tobacco. Motor vehicles are a major source. And there’s new evidence when moms breathe these PAHs while they are pregnant, it can decrease their child’s IQ enough to impact school success. A study funded by the National Institutes of Health, reported this week, followed almost 250 children living in New York City. Researchers found that those exposed to the highest PAH levels in utero scored an average four points lower on IQ tests than those breathing lower levels of PAH. Study authors said this decrease in IQ is similar to the impact of low-level lead exposure. 
If you’ve got a girl who’s at just the age to be asking “those” types of questions – What if my boyfriend wants to kiss me? Why isn’t my period here yet? How do I find a bra that fits? – point her in the direction of “The Pink Locker Society.” This nifty site, created by the venerable Nemours foundation, is “hosted” by four fictional eighth-grade girls who answer questions about growing-up topics with real expert info. There’s a fun blog, polls to chime in on, crafts, recipes, and a chance to design an online “dream locker.” The topics can get serious, but the tone stays fun and light without ever talking down to girls. An hour with the PLS will help your girl navigate the tween years while feeling as comfy as if she’s texting her own BFF. (Psssst … There’s a section for parents, too.) 
