Riya Baibhawi

Is Your Child Heart At Risk? Common Heart Conditions In Kids

children's heart health

Cardiovascular diseases (<span>CVD</span>) are generally understood to develop over time due to factors such as high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, air pollution, and diabetes, which are primary causes of <span>heart</span> attacks and coronary heart disease. However, genetics—often overlooked—plays a crucial role in CVD among newborns and infants. Therefore, it is essential for parents to have their children screened for these conditions, even in the absence of visible symptoms.

<h2>Importance Of Pediatric Cardiac Screening</h2>

Pediatric cardiac screening is a vital component of child healthcare. An early detection of heart issues can lead to timely interventions and better treatments for children with congenital defects or conditions that develop later in life.

Many symptoms in children may not be immediately obvious, especially in the early stages of a condition. Therefore, proactive screening for potential cardiac issues is essential. Early screenings can identify abnormalities such as abnormal heart sounds or murmurs in newborns, which is particularly crucial for infants and children with a family history of cardiovascular diseases.

While newborns typically receive basic cardiac checks during routine exams, it's important to include <span>heart health</span> assessments like echocardiograms and ECGs in regular pediatric visits as children grow. This approach not only aids in detecting serious cardiovascular problems but can also help save on long-term treatment costs," emphasizes pediatric healthcare experts.

<h2>Common Pediatric Cardiac Conditions</h2>

1. Congenital Heart Disease (CHD): Present at birth, CHD encompasses a range of structural heart defects that can affect normal heart function.

2. Atherosclerosis: This condition occurs when fatty and cholesterol-filled plaques accumulate in the arteries, narrowing blood vessels and restricting blood flow. Recent research indicates that atherosclerosis can begin forming in early childhood, highlighting the need for early awareness.

3. Arrhythmias: These are irregular heart rhythms that can reduce the heart’s efficiency in pumping blood.

4. Kawasaki Disease: A rare inflammatory condition affecting primarily children under five, Kawasaki disease can cause serious heart complications, along with fever and swollen lymph nodes.

5. Heart Murmurs: A murmur is the sound produced by blood flow through the heart’s chambers or valves. While many murmurs are harmless, some may indicate underlying cardiovascular issues.

6. Pericarditis: This condition involves inflammation or infection of the pericardium, the thin sac surrounding the heart.

7. Rheumatic Heart Disease: Caused by an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria, this condition can lead to permanent damage of heart valves and heart muscle inflammation, known as myocarditis.

8. Infections: Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can lead to myocarditis, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood. Though rare, these infections may present few symptoms.

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Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are generally understood to develop over time due to factors such as high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, air pollution, and diabetes, which are primary causes of heart attacks and coronary heart disease. However, genetics—often overlooked—plays a crucial role in CVD among newborns and infants. Therefore, it is essential for parents to have their children screened for these conditions, even in the absence of visible symptoms.Importance Of Pediatric Cardiac ScreeningPediatric cardiac screening is a vital component of child healthcare. An early detection of heart issues can lead to timely interventions and better treatments for children with congenital defects or conditions that develop later in life.Many symptoms in children may not be immediately obvious, especially in the early stages of a condition. Therefore, proactive screening for potential cardiac issues is essential. Early screenings can identify abnormalities such as abnormal heart sounds or murmurs in newborns, which is particularly crucial for infants and children with a family history of cardiovascular diseases.While newborns typically receive basic cardiac checks during routine exams, it's important to include heart health assessments like echocardiograms and ECGs in regular pediatric visits as children grow. This approach not only aids in detecting serious cardiovascular problems but can also help save on long-term treatment costs," emphasizes pediatric healthcare experts.Common Pediatric Cardiac Conditions1. Congenital Heart Disease (CHD): Present at birth, CHD encompasses a range of structural heart defects that can affect normal heart function.2. Atherosclerosis: This condition occurs when fatty and cholesterol-filled plaques accumulate in the arteries, narrowing blood vessels and restricting blood flow. Recent research indicates that atherosclerosis can begin forming in early childhood, highlighting the need for early awareness.3. Arrhythmias: These are irregular heart rhythms that can reduce the heart’s efficiency in pumping blood.4. Kawasaki Disease: A rare inflammatory condition affecting primarily children under five, Kawasaki disease can cause serious heart complications, along with fever and swollen lymph nodes.5. Heart Murmurs: A murmur is the sound produced by blood flow through the heart’s chambers or valves. While many murmurs are harmless, some may indicate underlying cardiovascular issues.6. Pericarditis: This condition involves inflammation or infection of the pericardium, the thin sac surrounding the heart.7. Rheumatic Heart Disease: Caused by an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria, this condition can lead to permanent damage of heart valves and heart muscle inflammation, known as myocarditis.8. Infections: Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can lead to myocarditis, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood. Though rare, these infections may present few symptoms.

is your child heart at risk? common heart conditions in kids

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"I miss who I was too," says the <span>Christina Applegate</span>, revealing her emotional conversation with daughter Sadie

She is speaking candidly about how life with multiple sclerosis (<span>MS</span>) has changed not just her, but her relationship with her daughter.

The Dead to Me actress, 53, recently shared an emotional moment from a conversation with her 14-year-old daughter, Sadie, on the <em>Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa</em> podcast. Diagnosed with MS in 2021, Applegate has gradually withdrawn from public life as she navigates the daily physical and emotional toll of the condition.

“I don’t get up in the morning with that,” she said, referring to any sense of personal motivation. “I get up because of her. She’s the reason I’m still here and trying.”

But that strength has been tested in ways that have cut deep—especially as a mother. During their recent conversation, Sadie told her something that Applegate says "was like a knife to the heart."

“She said, ‘I miss who you were before you got sick.’ And I do too,” Applegate said, holding back tears. “I miss that version of me very much.”

Applegate has never shied away from speaking about the realities of living with multiple sclerosis. 

On Conan O’Brien’s podcast earlier this year, she revealed that she rarely leaves the house anymore. The pain and fatigue have become too overwhelming.

“If people saw what my life was like on the daily, they wouldn’t be able to do it. Because I can sometimes not do it. It’s really, really hard,” she admitted.

And that physical struggle directly impacts her ability to parent. Once an active, involved mom, picking up her daughter from school, dancing with her at home, volunteering in the school library, Applegate now says that version of herself is gone, and her daughter has noticed the change.

“She’s had to see the loss of her mom, in the way that I was a mom with her,” Applegate told PEOPLE in an earlier interview. “She doesn’t see those things anymore. This is a loss for her as well.”

There are days, she added, when the pain is so severe that Sadie simply knows not to ask anything of her. “If she sees that I’m laying on my side, she knows she can’t ask me to do anything. And that breaks me,” Applegate said. “I love doing things for her. I just can’t sometimes. But I try. I try.”

As per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, in this case, the protective sheath (myelin) surrounding nerve fibers.

Without intact myelin, nerve signals slow down or get interrupted, leading to a range of symptoms that vary from person to person. These may include muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness, coordination issues, vision changes, and memory problems.

Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occur earlier or later. MS does not have a cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. The severity of symptoms also differs, some people experience mild, manageable relapses, while others gradually face increasing disability.

One of the most difficult aspects of MS is its unpredictability. Symptoms can flare up unexpectedly and may disappear for long stretches. While the disease doesn’t typically shorten life expectancy, it does require a major adjustment in daily life.

In Applegate’s case, it has meant redefining her identity, not just as an actress, but as a mother and a person. Still, despite the pain and fatigue, her love for her daughter keeps her grounded and trying.

“Sadie is the reason I’m still here. She gives me the strength to keep going,” Applegate said.

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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

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"I miss who I was too," says the Christina Applegate, revealing her emotional conversation with daughter SadieShe is speaking candidly about how life with multiple sclerosis (MS) has changed not just her, but her relationship with her daughter.The Dead to Me actress, 53, recently shared an emotional moment from a conversation with her 14-year-old daughter, Sadie, on the Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa podcast. Diagnosed with MS in 2021, Applegate has gradually withdrawn from public life as she navigates the daily physical and emotional toll of the condition.“I don’t get up in the morning with that,” she said, referring to any sense of personal motivation. “I get up because of her. She’s the reason I’m still here and trying.”But that strength has been tested in ways that have cut deep—especially as a mother. During their recent conversation, Sadie told her something that Applegate says "was like a knife to the heart."“She said, ‘I miss who you were before you got sick.’ And I do too,” Applegate said, holding back tears. “I miss that version of me very much.”The toll of daily life with MSApplegate has never shied away from speaking about the realities of living with multiple sclerosis. On Conan O’Brien’s podcast earlier this year, she revealed that she rarely leaves the house anymore. The pain and fatigue have become too overwhelming.“If people saw what my life was like on the daily, they wouldn’t be able to do it. Because I can sometimes not do it. It’s really, really hard,” she admitted.And that physical struggle directly impacts her ability to parent. Once an active, involved mom, picking up her daughter from school, dancing with her at home, volunteering in the school library, Applegate now says that version of herself is gone, and her daughter has noticed the change.“She’s had to see the loss of her mom, in the way that I was a mom with her,” Applegate told PEOPLE in an earlier interview. “She doesn’t see those things anymore. This is a loss for her as well.”There are days, she added, when the pain is so severe that Sadie simply knows not to ask anything of her. “If she sees that I’m laying on my side, she knows she can’t ask me to do anything. And that breaks me,” Applegate said. “I love doing things for her. I just can’t sometimes. But I try. I try.”What is multiple sclerosis?As per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, in this case, the protective sheath (myelin) surrounding nerve fibers.Without intact myelin, nerve signals slow down or get interrupted, leading to a range of symptoms that vary from person to person. These may include muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness, coordination issues, vision changes, and memory problems.Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occur earlier or later. MS does not have a cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. The severity of symptoms also differs, some people experience mild, manageable relapses, while others gradually face increasing disability.Life with MS: A new normalOne of the most difficult aspects of MS is its unpredictability. Symptoms can flare up unexpectedly and may disappear for long stretches. While the disease doesn’t typically shorten life expectancy, it does require a major adjustment in daily life.In Applegate’s case, it has meant redefining her identity, not just as an actress, but as a mother and a person. Still, despite the pain and fatigue, her love for her daughter keeps her grounded and trying.“Sadie is the reason I’m still here. She gives me the strength to keep going,” Applegate said.

to be a mother with multiple sclerosis: actor christina applegate gets candid about her diagnosis and how it changed motherhood

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A big concern for parents these days is how kids are seemingly swallowed by technology. They no longer plead to go out and play for ‘just five more minutes’. The serotonin and dopamine boost we used to crave while playing outside as kids, does not seem like a big deal any longer. Could this be due to the increase in electronic device usage? 

Parents who are worried about their kids screentime are right to be concerned. Many studies have shown the increased screentime slows down <span>brain development</span>. If certain habits can slow down brain development, are there others that can increase brain development? 

A new study published in the <span>Environment International</span> journal suggests that living close to green areas, like parks or forests, might lower a child's chance of developing problems like ADHD and autism. This protective effect seems to start even before they are born. 

<h2>How Green Spaces May Help Before and After Birth </h2>

The study found that children were less likely to experience brain development problems if their mothers lived near green spaces before or during pregnancy. The same benefit was seen if the children themselves lived near green spaces when they were infants. These important findings were published in a science journal called Environment International. One of the lead researchers pointed out that having more access to green spaces in cities could truly support healthy brain development in young children and help reduce the number of developmental delays. 

<h2>Why Green Spaces Might Be Good for Brains </h2>

Scientists don't fully understand yet exactly how green spaces might help a baby's brain grow healthily, even while still in the womb. However, they have some ideas. They believe that being around nature can reduce stress and feelings of sadness, encourage people to spend more time with others, and lower exposure to loud noises and very hot or cold temperatures. All of these things could be good for a young child's overall development. 

For this research, scientists looked at a lot of information from over 1.8 million mothers and children who were part of the Medicaid program in different states. They used satellite images and the mothers' home addresses to figure out how much green space they lived near. The results were quite interesting: 

<ul><li>Children whose mothers lived near green spaces had a 34% lower risk of intellectual disabilities.</li><li>They also had a 17% lower risk of autism.</li><li>For children who lived near green spaces themselves after they were born, the study found a 19% lower risk of learning disabilities.</li></ul>

The researchers noticed that these protective effects were present at different stages: before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and in early childhood. This suggests that there might be various biological reasons why green spaces are helpful at different times. 

<h2>Stronger Benefits in City Areas </h2>

The study showed that the protective effects of green spaces were even stronger for children living in city areas and for children from Black or Hispanic families. This suggests that green spaces might provide an even greater benefit in places where they are not as common. Increasing access to green spaces in city environments could really support early childhood brain development and help reduce the number of developmental delays. 

It's important to remember that this study can't prove that living near green spaces directly causes healthier brain development. There could be other factors that also play a role in a child's risk for developmental problems. 

Future research will dive deeper into the exact reasons why green spaces might benefit children's brain development. They also want to explore whether different kinds of green spaces—like parks, walking trails, or playing fields—offer different levels of benefit. 

Childrens Brain Development

environment international

Brain Development

Brain Development and screen time

living closer to green areas is good

green areas and brain development

A big concern for parents these days is how kids are seemingly swallowed by technology. They no longer plead to go out and play for ‘just five more minutes’. The serotonin and dopamine boost we used to crave while playing outside as kids, does not seem like a big deal any longer. Could this be due to the increase in electronic device usage? Parents who are worried about their kids screentime are right to be concerned. Many studies have shown the increased screentime slows down brain development. If certain habits can slow down brain development, are there others that can increase brain development? A new study published in the Environment International journal suggests that living close to green areas, like parks or forests, might lower a child's chance of developing problems like ADHD and autism. This protective effect seems to start even before they are born. How Green Spaces May Help Before and After Birth The study found that children were less likely to experience brain development problems if their mothers lived near green spaces before or during pregnancy. The same benefit was seen if the children themselves lived near green spaces when they were infants. These important findings were published in a science journal called Environment International. One of the lead researchers pointed out that having more access to green spaces in cities could truly support healthy brain development in young children and help reduce the number of developmental delays. Why Green Spaces Might Be Good for Brains Scientists don't fully understand yet exactly how green spaces might help a baby's brain grow healthily, even while still in the womb. However, they have some ideas. They believe that being around nature can reduce stress and feelings of sadness, encourage people to spend more time with others, and lower exposure to loud noises and very hot or cold temperatures. All of these things could be good for a young child's overall development. What the Study Discovered For this research, scientists looked at a lot of information from over 1.8 million mothers and children who were part of the Medicaid program in different states. They used satellite images and the mothers' home addresses to figure out how much green space they lived near. The results were quite interesting: Children whose mothers lived near green spaces had a 34% lower risk of intellectual disabilities.They also had a 17% lower risk of autism.For children who lived near green spaces themselves after they were born, the study found a 19% lower risk of learning disabilities.The researchers noticed that these protective effects were present at different stages: before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and in early childhood. This suggests that there might be various biological reasons why green spaces are helpful at different times. Stronger Benefits in City Areas The study showed that the protective effects of green spaces were even stronger for children living in city areas and for children from Black or Hispanic families. This suggests that green spaces might provide an even greater benefit in places where they are not as common. Increasing access to green spaces in city environments could really support early childhood brain development and help reduce the number of developmental delays. What We Still Need to Learn It's important to remember that this study can't prove that living near green spaces directly causes healthier brain development. There could be other factors that also play a role in a child's risk for developmental problems. Future research will dive deeper into the exact reasons why green spaces might benefit children's brain development. They also want to explore whether different kinds of green spaces—like parks, walking trails, or playing fields—offer different levels of benefit. 

children’s brain development sees improvement with more ‘green time’ - study finds

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Expecting Soon? A New Research Suggests That Your Baby's Sex Is Not Random

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A baby’s <span>sex at birth</span> might not be the equal coin toss that we’ve always believed it to be. A new study published by the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, titled, “<em>Is sex at birth a biological coin toss? Insights from a longitudinal and GWAS analysis</em>” challenges this long-held assumption. 

The study was published on July 18 in the journal Science Advances, and it found that several factors, including a mother's age, genetics, and the sex of older siblings—may influence whether she’s more likely to have a boy or a girl.

<h2>Patterns Behind the Birth of Boys and Girls: How Was The Study Conducted?</h2>

The research looked at more than 146,000 pregnancies involving over 58,000 U.S. nurses from the NIH-funded Nurses’ Health Study, covering the years 1956 to 2015. What they found was eye-opening: families with three or more children were more likely to have either all boys or all girls than if the sex of a child was purely random.

“If you’ve had two or three girls and you’re trying for a boy, your odds aren’t 50-50 anymore,” explained Jorge Chavarro, professor of nutrition and epidemiology and the study’s senior author, in a quote to The Washington Post. “You’re more likely to have another girl.”

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/it-might-not-be-diabetes-it-could-be-this-common-pill-causing-heart-disease-study-article-152352343" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">It Might Not Be Diabetes; It Could Be This Common Pill Causing Heart Disease: Study</a>

<h2>The Role of Maternal Age and Genetics</h2>

One of the biggest surprises was the link between maternal age and the likelihood of giving birth to all children of the same sex. Women who started having children after age 28 had a slightly higher chance of giving birth to only boys or only girls.

Researchers believe this could be due to biological changes that come with age, such as shifts in hormone levels or physical conditions that may affect which sperm survive and fertilize the egg.

Additionally, the study identified two specific genes that appear to be linked with the likelihood of having children of only one sex. While scientists don’t yet know how these genes affect birth sex, their discovery opens the door for further research.

Chavarro noted that future studies should explore whether lifestyle choices, diet, or even exposure to certain environmental chemicals might also play a role.

<h2>Are Families Subconsciously Seeking “Gender Balance”?</h2>

The study also touches on social patterns. In families with two children, there was a higher chance of one boy and one girl. Researchers believe this may be because couples tend to stop having children once they have one of each sex, possibly due to a preference for a “balanced” family.

This idea is supported by another paper published in the <em>Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics</em>, which jokingly refers to parents who have three boys or three girls as those who “lose the birth lottery.”

<h2>When Expectations Don’t Match Reality</h2>

The findings also bring up the topic of “gender disappointment”, a real emotional experience for some parents when the sex of their baby isn’t what they hoped for. 

A 2023 paper in the <em>BJPsych Bulletin </em>found that in many Western families, this disappointment often stems from a desire to experience raising both sons and daughters.

In everyday life, these expectations can be seen in subtle remarks like “Four boys? Poor you,” or “Still trying for a girl?”, comments that reflect how deeply society views gender roles and balance, reports CBC.

<h2>What It Means for Expecting Parents</h2>

While the science behind birth sex is clearly more complex than a simple 50-50 chance, experts agree it’s not something to stress over. Rather, it’s a reminder that biology, age, genes, and personal choices all come together in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

baby sex is not random

havard t chan study baby sex

expecting soon

sex at birth

A baby’s sex at birth might not be the equal coin toss that we’ve always believed it to be. A new study published by the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, titled, “Is sex at birth a biological coin toss? Insights from a longitudinal and GWAS analysis” challenges this long-held assumption. The study was published on July 18 in the journal Science Advances, and it found that several factors, including a mother's age, genetics, and the sex of older siblings—may influence whether she’s more likely to have a boy or a girl.Patterns Behind the Birth of Boys and Girls: How Was The Study Conducted?The research looked at more than 146,000 pregnancies involving over 58,000 U.S. nurses from the NIH-funded Nurses’ Health Study, covering the years 1956 to 2015. What they found was eye-opening: families with three or more children were more likely to have either all boys or all girls than if the sex of a child was purely random.“If you’ve had two or three girls and you’re trying for a boy, your odds aren’t 50-50 anymore,” explained Jorge Chavarro, professor of nutrition and epidemiology and the study’s senior author, in a quote to The Washington Post. “You’re more likely to have another girl.”Also Read: It Might Not Be Diabetes; It Could Be This Common Pill Causing Heart Disease: StudyThe Role of Maternal Age and GeneticsOne of the biggest surprises was the link between maternal age and the likelihood of giving birth to all children of the same sex. Women who started having children after age 28 had a slightly higher chance of giving birth to only boys or only girls.Researchers believe this could be due to biological changes that come with age, such as shifts in hormone levels or physical conditions that may affect which sperm survive and fertilize the egg.Additionally, the study identified two specific genes that appear to be linked with the likelihood of having children of only one sex. While scientists don’t yet know how these genes affect birth sex, their discovery opens the door for further research.Chavarro noted that future studies should explore whether lifestyle choices, diet, or even exposure to certain environmental chemicals might also play a role.Are Families Subconsciously Seeking “Gender Balance”?The study also touches on social patterns. In families with two children, there was a higher chance of one boy and one girl. Researchers believe this may be because couples tend to stop having children once they have one of each sex, possibly due to a preference for a “balanced” family.This idea is supported by another paper published in the Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics, which jokingly refers to parents who have three boys or three girls as those who “lose the birth lottery.”When Expectations Don’t Match RealityThe findings also bring up the topic of “gender disappointment”, a real emotional experience for some parents when the sex of their baby isn’t what they hoped for. A 2023 paper in the BJPsych Bulletin found that in many Western families, this disappointment often stems from a desire to experience raising both sons and daughters.In everyday life, these expectations can be seen in subtle remarks like “Four boys? Poor you,” or “Still trying for a girl?”, comments that reflect how deeply society views gender roles and balance, reports CBC.What It Means for Expecting ParentsWhile the science behind birth sex is clearly more complex than a simple 50-50 chance, experts agree it’s not something to stress over. Rather, it’s a reminder that biology, age, genes, and personal choices all come together in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

expecting soon? a new research suggests that your baby's sex is not random

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