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Toxins in household dust may be harmful to kids
Most of the dust that coats your furniture and floors comes from outdoors and can pose a health threat, a new study suggests.
BPA in canned foods could harm children, group says
Measurable levels of the chemical additive bisphenol A (BPA) were found in a variety of canned goods, including some that claimed to be BPA-free, according to an analysis released this week by the nonprofit advocacy group Consumers Union.
Toxic toys? Health group finds high lead levels
Children's toys carrying the Barbie and Disney logos have turned up with high levels of lead in them, according to a California-based advocacy group — a finding that may give consumers pause as they shop for the holiday season.
Swine Flu and Young Children: Is Your Baby at Risk?
Swine Flu and Young Children: Is Your Baby at Risk?
A deadly outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and confirmed cases of the illness in school-age kids in the U.S. have parents on edge—and with good reason.  According to public health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Pregnant women, young children, people with chronic illnesses and the elderly may be most susceptible" to the virus. Symptoms of swine flu in children and babies are similar to symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting. Because cold and flu season is almost over, catching an illness now could signal something unusual, such as swine flu, officials warn. 

For Baby: Swine flu appears to spread through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza—or by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching the mouth, eyes, or nose. Though it's still unclear whether or not swine flu will reach pandemic proportions (cases in the U.S. have so far been mild), parents can take steps to keep young children healthy by practicing frequent hand washing (and using alcohol-based sanitizer when water is not available), not touching surfaces that may be contaminated with flu virus, and avoiding contact with adults and other children who are sick. The CDC strongly urges parents to keep their children home from daycare when sick (even if swine flu is not suspected). Parents are also reminded by the CDC to treat flu-like symptoms in babies and young children with acetaminophen or ibuprofen only, or a specific medication prescribed by a child's doctor.