News briefs: Language development linked to maternal depression, bilingualism
Environmental factors such as maternal depression and bilingual households can be pivotal in the development of an infant’s language skills, according to new UBC research.
The findings were presented this month at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting in Vancouver and are among the first to examine maternal mental health and antidepressant exposure’s impact on infants’ early language development.
The team’s preliminary findings suggest anti-depressant treatment in mothers may accelerate babies’ ability to attune to the sounds and sights of the native language, while untreated maternal depression may prolong the period of tuning.
Another study found bilingual households also have an effect on the period in which babies attune to the language sounds they hear and the sights they see.
Moms’ vaccines could affect babies’ size at birth
Immunizing pregnant women against the flu could reduce the risk of babies born small, according to a new study.
The National Post reports that a Canadian Medical Association Journal study has found an influenza infection during pregnancy can affect fetal growth.
Vaccines during periods when flu viruses were not circulating had no effect on mean birth weights. However, during periods of influenza, the babies born to mothers that had flu shots weighed an average of 200 grams more.
Newspaper examines issue of dental problems among families in the North
The StarPhoenix took an in-depth look recently at the challenges Northern families face in terms of dental health.
Reporter Janet French writes that while dental diseases requiring surgery can strike anyone, a disproportionate number of children come from the North. As well, more than half self-identify as aboriginal.
There are approximately 1,900 people in the province on a waiting list for dental surgery. More than half are under age six and three-quarters are 10 or younger.
The story examines the socio-economic reasons behind the problem, the health risks associated with dental problems, the contentious issue of water fluoridation and preventative steps the province is taking.
Family Day means Active Family Day in Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw decided to take advantage of the Family Day holiday this week by promoting family events to get parents and children up and moving.
There were events throughout the city, with the biggest ones taking place at the Field House and the YMCA. There were workouts for parents and kids, aerobics classes, games and other fun activities aimed at keeping families on the move.
