Health Notes:
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A look at the latest medical studies and trends
Older kids urged to get flu vaccine too
In response to new evidence that children are key flu spreaders, the government is now recommending children from age 6 months to 18 years be vaccinated. Previously the vaccine was recommended for ages 6 months to 5 years old, for children who can become dangerously ill from influenza. Over four winters, Harvard researchers matched hacking adults' visits to Boston-area emergency rooms with Census data for 55 ZIP codes. Flu-like symptoms struck first and worst in the ZIP codes that were home to the most kids.
Fat gene can be combated with active lifestyle
A new study of the Amish of Lancaster County, Pa., who have a common genetic variation that make people more likely to gain weight, showed the effect could be blocked with three to four hours of physical activity daily. Scientists believe about 30% of white people of European ancestry have this variant, including the Amish, and that may partly explain why so many people are overweight. Physical activity can include brisk walking, housecleaning and gardening.
Overweight teens face liver disease threat
Some overweight teens have severe liver damage caused by too much body fat, adding another threat to the health of obese teens. The American Liver Foundation and other experts estimate 2% to 5% of American children over age 5 have the condition, called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nearly all of them are obese or overweight. A handful has needed liver transplants, and more may need a new liver by their 30s or 40s, say experts who warn that pediatricians need to be more vigilant.