A new study from Canada shows that preemies who are now in their 20′s  fare well in the long run. Most have jobs, and are living independently. This study included 130 families of babies with birth weight less than 900 grams, but none less than 700 grams, born between ’77-’82. Many had at least one neurological problem, including cerebral palsy. A major limitation is that most families in the study were white, relatively well-educated and higher-income, and covered by Canada’s universal healthcare system, so the results are not necessarily the same as the general population....

Last week two stories in the news broke my heart. The first, from the June issue of Pediatrics, mentions a study which found C-Sections may increase the risk of celiac disease, as opposed to  those infants born vaginally. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder which leads to inflammation of the gut when the person consumes any foods containing gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye). In terms of the western diet, that’s a toughie. The researchers have no certain understanding of the process at this point, but hypothesize that  perhaps the phenomenon is linked to the fact that...

++++I thought you readers would like to know about this++++ Dear Senate Appropriations Committee Member, I urge your NO vote on SB 1051 re: Diastat rectal gel administration by unlicensed personnel in our schools,grades K-12. Please consider the “elephant in the room” before you vote on this bill: Who does this bill really benefit? Is it  really the epileptic patient? (Or is it the School Districts, who seek to relieve themselves of legal liability? And the pharmaceutical company which gets to market more and more of the drug, as it expires every few months?) The Epilepsy Foundation...

Hello parents everywhere, This month let me tell you about a movement in California that has generated great concern among many of us moms who are also nurses. You are aware that the decisions of one state often lead to the next legislation for the other forty-nine. Parents of preemies, listen up, as your child may be involved in one of these scenarios. There are presently two bills pending before our legislature which intend to protect the school districts from lawsuits brought by parents who react to faulty administration of medications to their children. These bills, AB 1802 (re: Insulin) and SB...

Friends in Blogland, I apologize for  tardy posts. The trail has taken me again to the halls of legislature to learn and participate in healthcare debates which influence families, babies, and of course, nurses. I am completing a residency with the nurse advocates who work with the American Nurses’ Association in Sacramento, CA. It was sloppy-wet day, but always a thrill to walk the hallowed halls of the capitol. I will finish the week here and return often until my work is completed, at the end of April. At the Assembly Health Committee forum, I watched the fascinating grilling of Big Business...