Give baby an early start
Worried you’re not doing enough to give your baby the healthiest start to life? Yes, we know – health advice for pregnant mothers can be overwhelming. But here’s a simple way to boost your baby’s health: Get a flu shot while you’re pregnant and protect your newborn from the flu virus. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found a 63 percent drop in risk of flu for newborns whose moms got vaccinated before giving birth. Moms benefit too; the number of serious respiratory illnesses among vaccinated mothers dropped by 36 percent.
Lay off, Moms and Dads
You might have more influence over your kids’ passion for piano than how often they practice. According to a study conducted on athletes and musicians by University of Montreal researchers, parental influence was a big factor in whether a child’s passion for a vocation was obsessive or harmonious. When forced to pursue an activity against their will, children may form an obsessive passion, associating the activity with parental love. On the other hand, kids who grow up in a supportive environment, such as one where parents consider the child’s opinion, are more likely to form an independent passion for the activity. So if junior wants to quit playing the piano, don’t be a tyrant.
Eat fish for healthier skin
If you’ve had eczema, a kind of dry or itchy rash caused by irritated skin, you know how unpleasant the condition can be. Cut the chances of your infant developing eczema by introducing fish into his diet before he reaches 9 months of age. According to a Swedish study, doing so can cut the risk of developing the skin condition by 25 percent. However, genes are still the best predictor of whether your child develops eczema. Keeping a bird in your house can also reduce the risk of eczema.
