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Percentage of children with hay fever who were the firstborns in their families, according to a survey of 11,454 children aged 7 to 15 in Kyoto, Japan. By contrast, 26% of those with hay fever were second-born and 21% were third-born. Researchers found a similar downward trend for food allergies according to birth order, but no such relationship for the risk of asthma. [via MedPage Today]
Maintaining good health during pregnancy is one of the surest ways mothers can protect their developing babies’ well-being. A new study suggests that adequate levels of vitamin D could be one such protective factor.
Since November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received 900 complaints of pet illnesses and deaths from owners and vets stemming from China-made chicken jerky dog treats. See the full story on our companion blog NewsFeed.
Tuberculosis has been brought under control in much of the world, thanks to prevention practices and powerful antibiotics. But in poor nations like Peru, the disease still kills hundreds of babies and children — and new drug-resistant cases threaten an even bigger resurgence.
