A study of more than 7,000 low-income, city-dwelling mothers finds fewer than five percent of them took folic acid before pregnancy. Numerous studies have shown folic acid supplements taken during the first month of pregnancy can prevent crippling birth defects. The U.S. Public Health Service recommended all women of reproductive age regularly take the vitamin.
Teenagers with hay fever have higher rates of anxiety and depression and lower resistance to stress according to a new study. Researchers from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology said teens with hay fever are also more hostile and impulsive.
Two new studies found people who are overweight or obese are more than 20 percent less likely to die in the hospital from pneumonia or sepsis compared to patients who are normal weight. Researchers call it the obesity paradox because the reason for the higher survival rates is unclear.
Sources:
1 – American Journal of Public Health
2 – Annals Of Allergy, Asthma And Immunology
3 – European Association For The Study of Obesity
