by Kristin Cantu on January 7, 2010
A group of doctors from the National Institutes of Health and Johns Hopkins are pushing the case for neonatal circumcision. They argue that recent studies show that circumcision is an effective method for reducing the risk of catching certain sexually transmitted diseases.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ stance has been that there isn’t enough evidence to recommend routine circumcision. However, they are reviewing evidence this year to determine if they should update their recommendations.
Children’s Hiep Nguyen, MD, co-director of the Center for Robotic Surgery and director of Robotic Surgery Research and Training, answers common questions about circumcision.
What are your reasons for choosing to or opting not to have your son circumcised?
by Childrens Hospital Boston staff on December 19, 2009
by Childrens Hospital Boston staff on December 18, 2009
Media expert Michael Rich, MD, MPH, director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital Boston, answers your questions about media use. Last week, he discussed negative portrayals of black women in the movies.
Here’s this week’s question:
Q: There is a movie theatre near my home that has afternoon shows for moms, where they put out a changing table in the theater and don’t lower the lights all the way—but then they show very adult movies. What effect does being exposed to these movies have on infants and toddlers, most of whom are not talking yet?
-Skeptical about Screenings, Pacific Palisades, CA Full story »
by Childrens Hospital Boston staff on December 12, 2009
Other stories we’ve been reading:
Psychologist wins $1 million for showing that teen brains really are different. Researchers are able to show that remedial reading classes for weak readers really can change young brains. A history of juvenile delinquency is linked to early death in men.
If your children have cavities, it’s much more likely they’ll become adults with cavities. An Israeli study found that premature babies listening to Mozart were able to grow faster. Children born to mothers exposed to microbes during pregnancy may be less likely to develop allergies.
by Childrens Hospital Boston staff on December 5, 2009
Other stories we’ve been reading:
Are your children nervous about getting shots? This cartoon and iPhone app helps kids with 
vaccine fears. A new study shows that children who are vaccinated against chicken pox have an increased protection against shingles too.
Contrary to negative media stories about adoption, it turns out that most adopted children are healthy and happy. School bullies are also likely to bully their siblings. Baby boys are more likely to have a birth defect from a mother’s bug spray use and obese children may be at a higher risk for back pain.
by Childrens Hospital Boston staff on November 1, 2009
by Childrens Hospital Boston staff on October 31, 2009
by Childrens Hospital Boston staff on October 25, 2009
On Friday Thrive welcomed its 100,000th visitor! We are enjoying giving you all of the latest in pediatric health information. Thanks to everyone out there who has been following us.
Here’s a quick look at what Thrive was up to last week.
Media expert Michael Rich, MD, MPH, discusses why Disney is giving refunds to people who bought Baby Einstein videos thinking they would help their babies be smarter and weighs in on whether you should take your child to see Where the Wild Things Are. In other smart baby products news, David Bickham, PhD, tells us what he thinks about the new smart baby gadgets. Children’s vaccine specialist tells us about the difference between the live virus vaccine and the killed virus vaccine. One mother tells us her story about how strep throat attacked her child’s brain. Preemies are getting a gentler breath of fresh air. Should obese children be taken from their parents? Parents are wondering whether their child will suffer from permanent hearing damage due to continually listening to MP3 players. The HealthMap team gives us an H1N1 weekly update. Judy Palfrey, MD, FAAP, the new president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), writes on the important issues discussed at last weekend’s annual AAP meeting.
Uganda outlaws 
Surgeons put an 
Multiple studies show how 
