US Newborns Weigh Less

Chicago Tribune story entitled "U.S. Newborns are Weighing Less." Despite the growing obesity problem in the US (which is linked to larger babies), the average newborn in the US weighs 2.8 ounces less now than he/she did a decade ago. Why do you think this might be, given the information in the article? What other factors might be influencing newborn weight? What could be done to change this outcome?

Too Much Sitting Shortens Life

NY Times article entitled "Too Much Sitting Shortens Lives, Study Suggests." Recent research suggests the more hours an individual sits, the shorter their lifespan will be. What do you think? Is sitting in front of the TV dangerous to your health? Would exercising when you are not sitting combat this effect?

Food During Labor?

NY Times Article entitled "Ban on Food and Fluids in Labor." The article discusses the long-standing ban on letting laboring women have food or drink, and the recent research indicating that it typically is not an issue. Would you want food or water during your labor? Is the possible risk worth it? What would you recommend to a laboring patient?

Training the Aging Brain

From the NY Times, "How to Train the Aging Brain." This opinion article discusses recent research on how to keep the aging brain sharp and functioning at maximum capacity. How well do you think "brain training" programs work? Could this help prevent dementia for older adults? How early should braining training begin?

Personal Update

For my students who were following my pregnancy, little Emma Marie came into the world on 12/21 at 3:01pm. She will now be teaching me the real-life pieces of development that research can't really explain! I'm sure she will be used as great examples to demonstrate the things I teach in the future also.