Having a dog in childhood reduces asthma risk by 15%, study finds

Contact with nature is very important for children, and often it happens through a pet. And now a study has come to prove how good it can be for children's health, at least respiratory health, reducing the risk of developing asthma.

To reach this conclusion, Swedish scientists analyzed data of over one million of children born between 2001 and 2010, the results were published in the November issue of the scientific journal Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics . In Sweden, people are required by law to register if they have dogs or farm animals at home; in addition, all medical consultations in the country are recorded in a single system, which enabled scientists to have access to the health data of these children.

They realized that children exposed to contact with dogs in the first year of life were 15% less likely to develop asthma. Children who lived with farm animals, such as horse pups, had this risk reduced by 52%.

The study was done by sampling, so it could not locate the mechanism involved in this relationship. However, experts believe that this relationship occurs due to early contact with microbes, which strengthen the immune system of children. Because asthma is a disease linked to the body's immune reaction to allergens, this can have influence. But more studies are needed to understand this relationship.

Parenting begins with respect for parents and teachers

The other day, I was visiting a school that was beginning my school year. There were several very small children in adjustment. Some mothers wept, others seemed restless, others irritated. The children were crying now, sometimes showing interest and curiosity. A very disturbing situation. Little by little, each one was taken to his room, accompanied by the teacher, "the aunt", and the little friends.

(Family)

Overweight and moderate hyperglycemia pose risks to pregnancy

Overweight and normalized Moderately high blood sugar levels do not always receive a very differentiated attention from doctors. The major concern of professionals has always been for those with obesity or gestational diabetes, conditions known to increase the risk of health problems for both the mother and the baby.

(Family)