The Chatterbox

The Chatterbox

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April 28, 2011
Checklist May Help Spot Autism in 1-Year-Olds
On average, most kids with autism aren't diagnosed until age 5. But that may soon change, thanks to a 5-minute checklist that can help identify signs of autism in kids at age 1. The Journal of Pediatrics published a study today on the waiting-room checklist that San Diego pediatricians used at the 12-month check-up of about 10,000 babies. Parents filled out the 24-item checklist, doctors made any predictions of autism or developmental delays, and the babies were examined again over the following two years to see if they actually had the issues their doctor predicted. The...
Autism; Early Signs of Autism; Diagnosing Autism
April 20, 2011
Kate Middleton: Modern Princess
With the Royal Wedding just over a week away, some people may be wondering, what's the big deal? Why so many tabloid articles? Why is TLC devoting a week of air time to all this hot air? I'm here to tell you -- I get it. 1) Kate Middleton is gorgeous and will make a beautiful bride at a big, shiny wedding. 2) The royal family has had it's share of bad luck; it's hard to look away from this royal romance. 3) Kate Middleton is "normal" and a "commoner" -- and the first (soon-to-be) princess to hold a college degree. She is a modern princess. I ...
feminism, Marriage, princesses, royal wedding
April 5, 2011
New Show "Pregnant in Heels" -- So Bad, It's Good
I don't have high taste in television, so it's no surprise that last night I got sucked into the sneak preview of a new Bravo reality show called "Pregnant in Heels," which actually premieres tonight.   The show follows "maternity concierge"/"pregnancy guru" Rosie Pope as she serves the world's craziest (and wealthiest) moms-to-be in NYC. Many of them are clueless. All of them are demanding -- "Design a nursery that's not too baby-ish for us!" "Help us find the best baby name for our child who will someday be president!"...
Parenting, Pop Culture, Pregnancy, Preparing for Baby, Reality TV, TV
April 1, 2011
Food Dyes = Hyper Kids?
I know at least a few moms who have sorted out their kids' M&Ms to ditch the red ones because they believe they make their child hyper. Do you think food dyes affect your child? Apparently there was just recently enough concern about the possible artificial food coloring/hyperactivity link that the FDA decided to hold a panel discussion this week to look into the long-rumored theory. Guess what? The panel ruled 8-6 against putting a warning label on foods with artificial coloring because the majority said more research is needed. The panel agreed it...
ADD, ADHD, Children's Health, food dyes, hyperactivity