NewsSquawk, November 27, 2007
Smoking and postpartum depression: The urge to push followed by the urge to light up? You might be depressed, researchers say. Smoking and depression often go hand-in-hand for new mothers. Studies found a major postpartum depressive episode was 46% higher among smokers, and the prevalence of smoking was 33% higher in those who had depression.
Retro toys are better: Temple University researchers say that old-fashioned simple toys such as building blocks and rubber balls are better than their new-fangled electronic counterparts. Unlike electronic toys which direct play, these toys allow children to use their imagination and problem solve.
A day of doubles: A LaCrosse, Wisconsin OBGYN delivered four sets of twins during a 24-hour call shift over the Thanksgiving weekend. Dr. Kenneth Merkitch said he doesn’t believe he’d even delivered two sets of twins on a single call shift prior to this event. Merkitch also delivered one singleton that day, making for a total of 9 deliveries in 24 hours.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:09 am
Regarding rubber balls, just be sure not to get the little ones for small children. I know of a mother who lost her child to a choking incident with a “super ball”.
Of all the toys in our house, wooden alphabet blocks have gotten the most play over the last three years. The best under $10 bucks I’ve spent, probably. Also Melissa and Doug have a very nice set of plain wooden building blocks, a bit expensive but really nice, that we use all the time.
(Do NOT get the Melissa and Doug small ABC blocks on the little cart.)