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Study: Sugar Consumption During Pregnancy Impacts Baby’s Learning, Memory

Posted on April 23, 2018

A new study found that mothers consuming high amounts of sugar and sugar substitutes during pregnancy, or high sugar consumption during early childhood, was associated with compromised learning and memory skills in children. Alternately, high fruit consumption was found to have the opposite effect.

In a new study published online Thursday in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers analyzed data from more than 1,000 pregnant women from 1999 to 2002 who participated in Project Viva, a longitudinal research study of women and children. In addition, the team also assessed the diets of the women’s subsequent offspring, and their cognition at age three and again at age seven.

Results revealed that poorer childhood cognitive skills were associated with mothers who consumed high sugar diets during their pregnancy or in children who consumed greater amounts of sugar during early life.

These cognitive deficits were most noted in non-verbal abilities to solve problems and verbal memory, as well as decreased intelligence.

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Study: Gen Z Is Less Worried About Being Financially Independent

Posted on April 20, 2018

According to this survey of 1,000 teens by Junior Achievement and AIG, only half of teens say “gaining financial independence from their parents” is a goal for the future.

This response is surprising compared to 75 percent of teens who say that “graduating college” is a goal.

Millennials, or Gen Y, have sometimes been referred to as “the Boomerang Generation” because so many moved back home initially after completing college. With this new research, it appears this trend may continue with Generation Z and that the expectation of young adults living with their parents for longer periods of time may be seen as “the new norm.”

The survey found at only half of teens cite becoming financially independent of parents as one of their future goals.

The 2018 JA Teens & Personal Finance Survey offers insight into how this generation is thinking about and planning for their financial future while emphasizing the value of financial literacy and personal finance programs.

“Millennials have sometimes been referred to as ‘the Boomerang Generation’ because during the economic recovery many moved back home with their parents after college due to a weak job market and student loan debt,” said Jack Kosakowski, President and CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “This survey may be showing that today’s teens, Generation Z, could be seeing that as a situation they will encounter down the road.”

Among the survey results, teens stated their financial goals for the future include: graduating from college (75%), creating a savings plan (50%), affording international travel (37%), starting my own business (30%), and retiring before age 65 (29%).

Teens were also asked to share their concerns for the future. Top concerns were: being able to pay for college (54%), finding a fulfilling and well-paying job (52%), not being able to afford their own home (49%), not having skills to manage money (42%), and not having savings for an emergency (41%). Girls who took the survey tended to have higher levels of concern than did the boys.

“It’s apparent from these findings that today’s youth think a lot about their financial futures, and are looking for ways to be better prepared to be successful at managing money,” said Laura Gallagher, Global Head of Corporate Citizenship at AIG. “One way AIG is helping on this front is by partnering with organizations like Junior Achievement to get young people the information they need to be more prepared and to feel more confident about their futures.”

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Trend: Women Are Announcing their Pregnancy In Sonogram Nail Art

Posted on April 19, 2018

People cannot stop being creative when it comes to ways of announcing their pregnancies or having unique baby shower ideas. Now, believe it or not, women are getting their baby’s sonogram image painted on their nails.

It’s a very innovative way to share with the world what your future baby looks like in a black and white ultrasound photo. UK-based Nail tech Sarah Clarke addressed the demand on a recent Facebook page post:

Due to an unbelievable amount of demand for the scan nails I have decided to offer them on an express tip.
I hate to disappoint people by not giving them an appointment and Im booked up two weeks in advance minimum now. So if you send me your scan pic with your full name and address I will put the picture on to a tip that you can then get a nail tech to apply for you. Also this offer is available to other nail techs so they can apply them to their own clients.
The nail will be sent in a presentation box so you can keep the tip as a keep sake as many people have already asked for.

Wow!

h/t iHeart Radio

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Study: Painkillers Taken During Pregnancy Affects Baby’s Fertility

Posted on April 17, 2018

Taking painkillers during pregnancy could affect the fertility of the unborn child in later life, research suggests.

The study identifies that these drugs may also affect the fertility of future generations, by leaving marks on DNA.

The findings add to a growing body of evidence that certain medicines, including paracetamol, should be used with caution during pregnancy.

Researchers stress that advice for pregnant women remains unchanged. Current guidelines say that, if necessary, paracetamol—also known as acetaminophen—should be used at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. Ibuprofen should be avoided during pregnancy.

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh looked at the effects of paracetamol and ibuprofen on samples of human fetal testes and ovaries. They found similar effects using several different experimental approaches, including lab tests on human tissue samples and animal studies.

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NOW ENROLLING: British Soccer Camps Summer Programs in America

Posted on April 13, 2018

British Soccer Camps are the most popular soccer camp in the US. With an innovative curriculum that develops skills, speed and confidence in players ages 3-18, The British Soccer Camp provide boys and girls with the rare opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international expert’s right in the heart of their own community.

In addition to teaching new skills and improving game performance, each British Soccer Camp provides lessons in character development, cultural education and is the most fun your child can have learning the sport they love!

REGISTER FOR CAMP & GET A JERSEY, BALL, T SHIRT & NEW SKILLS APP AND 20 FREE VIDEOS!

Enroll in the most popular soccer camp in North America! British Soccer Camps have programs for all ages and abilities and feature an innovative curriculum full of skills, drills, and thrills! Register now and you will not only get your free British Soccer game jersey (value $34.95) shipped to you for free immediately, but you will also get our brand new skill development App and 20 videos to help your child practice at home.

Your soccer ball, T-shirt & poster will be given out at camp. USE CODE BSC18 at check out to get free shipping.

To Enroll: https://www.challengersports.com/british-soccer/

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Tammy Duckworth Just Became the First Sitting US Sentator to Give Birth

Posted on April 11, 2018

At age 50, US Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois became the first sitting senator to give birth while in office.

The Democrat and her husband Bryan Bowlsbey were open about using multiple IVF cycles and suffering a miscarriage before successfully conceiving their newest addition, another daughter, named Maile Pearl.

The name was blessed by the late Senator Daniel K. Akaka from Hawaii who passed away last week, Duckworth stated in a statement.

Maile is also named for Pearl Bowlsbey Johnson, who was Mr. Bowlsbey’s great-aunt and an Army officer who served in World War II, Ms. Duckworth said.

“She’s going to be taking much of the next 12 weeks to spend time bonding with her new daughter and spending time with her family,” said Sean Savett, a spokesman. “But she will be available for close votes as needed.”

Ms. Duckworth announced her pregnancy on social media in January and, in an interview with The Chicago Sun-Times.

When she welcomed the couple’s younger daughter Abigail, Duckworth become one of only 10 women to give birth in Congress, but then she was a member of the US House of Representative.

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These Are The Tips You Need For Air Traveling with Kids This Summer

Posted on April 11, 2018

Summer vacation travel season is on the horizon.

Emirates Airlines recently conducted a U.S. Travel Survey on Family Travel, identifying key struggles of traveling with kids and what parents say are the most effective ways to make the experience better for them and the kids.

In the survey of 4400 adults with a passport, planning to take an international trip in the coming year or have taken an international trip in the past few years, and who travel at least once every two to three years and are between the ages of 18 and 64.

It’s no secret kids can get antsy during flights. Emirates found that while kids get better at flying as they get older, many kids across all ages are already antsy within the first two hours of a long-haul flight:

Under 2 Years Old: 70% of travelers say kids under 2 get antsy in the first two hours of the flight
3-5 Years Old: 57% of travelers say kids 3-5 years old get antsy in the first 2 hours of a flight
6-10 Years Old: 32% say of travelers say kids 6-10 years old get antsy in the first 2 hours of a flight, with another 50% saying this older group gets antsy between 2-4 hours into a flight

The survey found that parents serve a child’s favorite snacks as one of the top needed distraction.

Additionally, while kids across the U.S. reportedly get restless in the early parts of their flights, kids from Boston tend to be the antsiest flyers in the U.S., with 38% of respondents reporting kids under 2 and 24% of kids 6-10 years old are antsy as soon as the plane takes off.

Keeping kids busy on the ground can be tricky, let alone on a plane. The number one way to keep kids occupied during a long flight? People say devices are the best at keeping kids occupied across all age groups.

The most helpful methods across age groups include:

Under 5 Years Old: 57% of respondents say devices to watch movies, TV shows or videos are by far the most helpful, followed by devices to play games (17%) and activity books and toys (16%)
6-10 Years Old: 96% of respondents say devices to watch movies, TV shows or videos and devices for games tie for being the most helpful in keeping kids content, but are followed closely by having snacks kids enjoy on hand (88%)

However, parental worry about keeping kids entertained through a flight isn’t created equal – Emirates survey found that flyers in Orlando, Houston, Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles are the most concerned about this issue when flying.

Is this Seat Available?

It’s no secret that many people try to avoid sitting near kids to ensure peace and quiet during their flight. Emirates found that the average traveler’s willingness to sit next to kids depends on how long the trip is. It turns out that 61% of fliers would say no to sitting next to kids on a flight over 10 hours, and of that, men are actually more likely to agree to it (57%) than women are (64%).

While the West Coast is known for friendliness and the South for hospitality, residents in San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale are actually the least willing to sit next to kids on long-haul flights.

Here are Emirates’ Cabin Crew’s top tips for traveling children this vacation season:

For parents flying with babies, try to choose a flight that is as close as possible to their bedtime. This can help them sleep for a large part of the flight. Also, make sure you have sweets or a bottle of milk for babies/toddlers to suck on during take-off or descent, as they may have difficulty equalizing their ear pressure and feel uncomfortable.For small children, keep one new toy aside to give them mid-flight to ensure they don’t grow bored of the ones they already have. This will provide a fun, distracting surprise, and will keep them occupied longer than one of their old toys.

For kids of all ages, find ways to break up activities during the flight. Don’t depend solely on games or videos – pack a small puzzle, colouring book or interactive toy in addition to devices or in-flight entertainment systems, and use time between shows or movies to try something different.
When kids are awake, take brief strolls when they are already in good moods. This will help them stretch and break up the time between activities in their seats, and help prevent a restless-child meltdown.
When going through an airport, bookend your kids with one parent upfront and one taking the rear (if possible) to ensure you don’t lose any little stragglers along the way, and keep them moving quickly through checkpoints.

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Where #STEM Took Us at the #SciFest 2018 Expo

Posted on April 9, 2018

I sojourned down to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington DC this past weekend as a guest of Razor to check out some of the various science, technology, engineering and math-related exhibits, stage shows, demonstrations and information being showcased to get children interested in these fields at the annual US Science and Engineering Expo. The event included exhibitors, performers, speakers, partners, sponsors and advisors for major academic centers, colleges and universities, leading research institutes, government agencies, cutting-edge high tech companies, museums and community organizations.

Oh and lots of science and tech camps! Here is an Official Map of the exhibitors, shows and presentations.

I took my eldest son, who is almost 16 and is interested in gaming and so much so, he is in the process of building his very own computer from scratch!

When we arrived mid afternoon on Saturday, April 7, inside, the 2.3K square foot convention hall which takes up three city blocks was electrifying and bustling with families, school kids, neighborhood and community groups in coordinated tops milling about in excitement.

Our first stop was our host Razor which agreed to generously gift us a Razor scooter and cool socks in advance of writing about our experience at the Expo. All two days of the Expo, the Razor booth had a steady stream of fans stopping by to check out the latest products and innovation of the disruptive company that transformed the experience of scooters.

Reps showed us the latest best seller, a pair of electric roller jets that go for themselves! Very cool! My how times have changed from my day of wearing plane metal roller skates on the streets of DC.

I was excited to learn that the scooters made by this top seller of skateboards, hoverboards, trikes and electric bikes have come. One of the more popular and newest products Razor sells these days is the Turbo Jets . They were on display anda brand ambassador wearing the crowd gathered around how to just start skating and then relax as the electric-powered heel wheels amp up to 80-watt, kicking the geared-drive motor that gives the user a boost. The Jets can travel as fast at 10 mph. They looked relatively easy to use and appeared durable from my review and touch. Watch more here:

SEE SOME OF THE VIDEOS HERE:

#ClickThru to check out the pics and vids from @razorworldwide’s exhibit at This weekend’s @USAScienceFest at DC Convention Center. Check out more videos and pics of other aspects of the expo on the blog. Link in bio. #SwipeLeft #spon
A post shared by Bellyitch_Blog – renewed!! (@bellyitch) on Apr 9, 2018 at 8:29am PDT

Another rep gave us a peek at how the spark pads, which are part of the Razor Spark Scooter’s braking mechanism, work. They give off real sparks when the user brakes! Very cool! It reminded me of the character Marty McFly’s Hoverboard in the 80s movie Back To The Future II.

Just so you know, she also shared with me that guests of the convention last weekend (and shhhhhh readers of this Blog too) can take advantage of 15% off using this coupon code. That’s a savings of close to $20 off the Turbo Jets which currently retail for $129 on the Razor website, bringing the cost down to a little over $100! That’s a steal. There is FREE shipping on all online orders through the website.

I’m not sure when the coupon code expires so hop on it fast!

Eldest and I then went on to enjoy the rest of the Expo, making stops through Physics Row, the NASA exhibit, some Nature Science displays and caught the last of the stage performances of the day, hip hop scientist Grand Hank.

I missed but would have loved to see Honda’s robot Asimo do a demonstration. Here is a video another attendee captured:

Unbelievable balance. Adjust center of gravity after each step. #SciFest @USAScienceFest @ASIMO pic.twitter.com/md2yOOWhtp
— LMESquad (@LMESRobotics) April 8, 2018

Other stage performanceswe missed that day or that took place the next day include: Science Cheerleaders, Stunt Science showing behind-the-scenes of Spider-Man and Other Hollywood movies, Explosive Science, Mathemagician Art Benjamin, Explosive Science and more.

There was just too much to do and see in one day and in hindsight, I’m kicking myself for not starting earlier in the day so we could have gone downstairs to explore the expansive displays including College and Career row because it’s time for eldest to start exploring colleges. He is also interested in Robotics and there was an entire section on that area of tech.

On the way, we could have explored the halls that included the World Wildlife Foundation display, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Color of STEM Pavilion featuring Black Girl Code and Howard University. and the Lockheed Martin Orbit and Robo Lab, National Security and Homeland Security displays

Better luck and better planning NEXT YEAR!

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Study: Experience Grief During Pregnancy Impacts Baby

Posted on April 8, 2018

Grieving the death of a loved one can affect an entire family, including babies. In fact, losing a relative during pregnancy may affect the mental health of a child later in life, according to a new report.

Researchers from Stanford University recently conducted a study, published in the American Economic Review, to determine the effect a family member’s death may have on children.

To do so, they examined Swedish infants born between 1973 and 2011 whose mother lost a close relative, such as a sibling, parent, maternal grandparent, the child’s father or her own older child, during her pregnancy.

They followed those children through adulthood, comparing their health outcomes to kids whose maternal relatives died in the year after their birth. They gathered the data from their medical records and Sweden’s novel prescription drug registry, which contains all prescription drug purchases.

Lastly, they considered the impact the death may have had on the fetus, including fetal exposure to maternal stress from bereavement and even changes to family resources or household composition.

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Clinic That Accidentally Destroyed 4K Cancer Patients Embryos Sued

Posted on April 5, 2018

The University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center is facing dozens of legal actions after the failure in early March of a cryopreservation tank containing approximately 4,000 eggs and embryos belonging to at least 950 families.

“We currently represent well over 100 clients whose cases we will pursue as individual claims. That number is growing by the day,” Cleveland attorney Tom Merriman said Monday.

Also Monday, attorney Gloria Allred threw her hat into the ring, announcing litigation on behalf of three Pittsburgh women who are all cancer survivors.

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