House Calls

Published: Thursday, January 27, 2000

Q: I have read that breast-feeding can prevent certain illnesses in infants. Is this true?

A: Studies have shown breast-fed babies are less likely to develop allergies or serious illnesses, such as diarrhea and bacterial meningitis. Research has also shown lower incidences of ear infections, some respiratory illnesses and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, lymphoma, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in breast-fed infants.

Other studies have shown mothers who breast-fed lower their own incidences of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer and reduce their risk of bone fractures from osteoporosis later in life.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast-feeding an infant exclusively for the first year of life.

Children's Nutrition Research Center

Home away from home

When a family goes on vacation, parents should keep in mind that whether staying in a motel for a night or a luxury resort for several days, it becomes a child's living area.

"Parents are very conscious about child-proofing their homes, but they also need to assess the environment their child will stay in while on vacation, even if it's only for a night or two," said Patti Rhynders, an injury prevention expert at Children's Medical Center of Dallas.

Because of travel circumstances, parents may depend on cribs and playpens provided by hotels. However, parents should ensure that the hotel's crib mattress is not too soft.

Rhynders said that parents should take precautionary steps to child-proof lodgings upon arrival. Hazards to look for are window blind cords, unenclosed swimming pools and cords hanging from lamps and coffee makers.

Children's Medical Center of Dallas

high blood pressure

African-American males are in need of regular blood pressure checks.

"Young African-American males probably use health care the least of any group and most likely haven't had their pressure checked in years," said Dr. Charlene Dewey, assistant professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. "They come in with 'target organ damage,' usually heart or kidney, at an earlier age because they have not been diagnosed or treated."

If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, stroke and kidney or heart failure.

There are several risk factors that help develop high blood pressure or hypertension. While genetics play a role in this condition, obesity, high salt and alcohol consumption are all factors that contribute in high blood pressure.

Dewey recommends that healthy African-Americans over 18 have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years.

Baylor College of Medicine