Flu Vaccination Now Available For Canines

If your dog contracts the rare H3N8 flu virus, a vaccination is now available.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/health/30flu.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=new%20flu%20vaccination%20approved%20-%20for%20dogs&st=cse

Raising Kids to Thrive in Difficult Economic Times

Even with careful planning, a secure career path is no longer a sure thing in the marketplace. In addition to education and professional skills, "softer" skills such as adaptability and self-reliance in their kids might be just as important.

Raising Kids Who Can Thrive Amid A Career Crisis (WSJ)

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124459007942099943.html

At Home Gender Predicter

The Intelligender, an over-the-counter test which

• can predict a baby sex's as early as 10 weeks, post-conception
• has accuracy rate of 70-80%
• results from urine test are available in 10 minutes
• retails at $34.95

Can it tell me how long I will be in labor?

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/09/gender.prediction.test/index.html

Kid Studies

Yes She Can: A study by the University of Wisconsin at Madison showed that among the smartest group of children, girls score just as high on math aptitude test as do boys. http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE5507QQ20090601.

Today's Mama 's Boy, Tomorrow's Mensch: A University of Illinois at Urban study showed that boys who are especially close to their mothers or primary caregiver at 4.5 years of age not only have stronger friendships two years laters but stronger interpersonal skills. (Courtesy of Redbook)

Skin Cancer, An Equal Opportunity Offender

While skin cancer is most often associated with fair-skinned, freckled individuals, incidence among blacks and hispanics is occurring with greater frequency. Early treatment is critical. Since these groups were not considered the most-at-risk, the diagnosis is coming much later and the outcomes are worse. Please get checked annually.

For more, http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/05/29/race.skin.cancer/index.html

Disappointing Results for Autism Drug

A government-sponsored study failed to show that the anti-depressant Citalopram does not lower the rate of repetitive actions. Celexa is the generic brand.



For more, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124388930925673687.html

Elmo Has A Question

Can someone Sesame Street (S/S) out?

The groundbreaking children's show is yet turns 40 and its impact is wide-ranging, yet the Children's Television workshop faces a budget shortfall, as the economic downturn has strained nonprofit funding across the board. As a result, staffing cuts have been announced, and the number of new episodes is down significantly (26 this year compared to 130 peak level).

You can't argue with the numbers. As a recent Newsweek article states S/S is definitely still relevant, as several independent studies show that children who regularly watch S/S consistently:

• 
  
  score better on number and letter recognition


• 
  
  have stronger vocabulary and math skills


• 
  
  and the impact carries over into high school years

Take it from a new mom, I much rather start my day with Ernie, Elmo, Big Bert & Burt than those manic doomsayers on CNBC (which I did for many years). Maybe if we all watched a little more S/S, American productivity would return.