Fertility and DHEA: A researcher presented data at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in Washington DC that supports the theory that by taking the supplement dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a woman undergoing IVF can improve her chances of successfully conceiving a child. In a pilot study of 27 women, eight of whom were given the supplements, those taking DHEA produced more eggs and had twice as many high-quality embryos produced. More study is needed; the researcher asks that women not self-medicate but speak with their doctors about DHEA.

Make ‘em laugh… An organization called Rx Laughter and UCLA researchers conducted a study in which children were asked to immerse their hands in very cold water and leave them there for as long as they could stand it. The children performed this task twice, one time while watching a comedy show. Their hands were warmed up between tests. The children kept their hands in the ice water longer while watching the funny programming. The researchers suggest that comedy helps children endure painful procedures. Many hospitals and medical practices now offer funny distractions to children to help them cope with discomfort and pain.

It’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Week: Lead safety reminder:

Pregnant women and children should not be present in housing built before 1978 that is undergoing renovation. They should not participate in activities that disturb old paint or in cleaning up paint debris after work is completed.

More on lead paint and old housing here.