Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), a test for birth defects, carries the same risk as the more commonly used amniocentesis, a new study has shown. Doctors previously thought its risk to be greater. Women can undergo CVS about six weeks earlier than amniocentesis, at 10 to 12 weeks gestation, so these findings, if confirmed, will be […]
Today is the National Day of Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina. Despite an outpouring of public support last year (in the face of what most agree were monumental government snafus), many Gulf Coast residents are still struggling to rebuild their lives. For stories of how LGBT residents of New Orleans are doing so, take a look
Last week, researchers announced the discovery of a genetic variant that may help identify women at higher risk of having premature births. This would allow doctors to take appropriate measures to minimize the risk. The scientists also found that African-American babies were three times more likely than those of European descent to carry this genetic
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved over-the-counter purchase of the Plan B emergency- contraception pill for women 18 and older, and men purchasing for their partners. Girls 17 and under will still need prescriptions. Because of its dual status, Plan B will only be available at licensed pharmacies. (Nine states, however (Alaska,
Yesterday I highlighted some LGBT-specific resources on school-related topics. As a complement to that, here’s a more general resource for any parent with school-age children. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a list of Back to School Tips about Making the First Day Easier, Backpack Safety, Traveling to and from School, Eating During the School
If you’ve been watching Workout, the WNBA playoffs, or, heaven help us, pre-season football, and are inspired to get in better shape yourself, you may like some of these online resources:
We’re back from our trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, the second of what promise to be yearly excursions to national parks with our extended families. I don’t want this to be a “what I did on my summer vacation” essay, though, so I’ll constrain myself to a few observations that may be of
I’ve been a fan of all-natural Clif energy bars for years. I’ve taken them to sports competitions, up mountains, and even to the office. In the supermarket the other day, I was happy to see that Clif now makes snack bars for kids. Clif Zbars are different from most of the granola and snack bars
For those of us experiencing extreme heat in our parts of the world right now, two items of note: The Extreme Heat Prevention Guide from the CDC. Includes useful tips on how to keep cool and how to recognize signs of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related ailments. (And don’t forget: Never leave your
Word to the wise: Never work out the day of a marriage-equality defeat. Doubly so if you watched Workout the night before. Creaking to the bathroom to pop some Ibuprofen. . . . Will post again later, if my arms still work.
