Date: February 27th 2006

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BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE: March 2006
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411
http://www.Baby411.com
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What’s in this issue?
1. Infant formula recall
2. Rotavirus vaccine receives FDA approval
3. Hepatitis A recommendation
4. Special warning on eczema medications
5. Home nebulizer storage
6. Watch BABY BARGAINS co-author Alan Fields on NBC Today Friday March 3!


Dear readers of Baby 411. We apologize for our unusual silence since 2006 began. We’ve been busy writing Toddler 411 (which will be released in August!) so we hope you will forgive us. There’s lots going on in the world of infant healthcare, so we’re bringing you up to date with this eNewsletter.

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1. Infant Formula Recall

Mead Johnson, the manufacturers of Enfamil GENTLEASE announced a recall of their 24 oz powdered formula which has listed on the bottom of the can, “Lot number BMJ19, use by 1 Jul 07”. The formula was found to contain very small metal particles that can be harmful if an infant were to inhale it. People who have a contaminated can should contact Mead Johnson at 888-587-7275

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2. Rotavirus vaccine receives FDA approval

Some of you, unfortunately, endured rotavirus this winter. Rotavirus is a stomach virus
that causes vomiting and horrible, watery diarrhea for about a week. It is most severe in infants, and dehydration is common. About 50,000 American babies are admitted to the hospital annually. And about 600,000 children in developing countries die annually from this illness.

The good news: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just approved a vaccine for this dreaded virus. It’s an oral drink (not a shot) that will be given at the 2, 4, and 6 month well checks! Ask your doctor about it.

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3. Hepatitis A vaccine recommendation

The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends Hepatitis A vaccine for all children beginning at 12 months of age. Hepatitis A is a virus that causes a liver infection. It is spread via contaminated food and water, as well as via infected individuals. There are about 150,000 cases of Hepatitis A in the U.S. annually. A recent outbreak occurred from contaminated green onions at a Mexican restaurant in Pittsburgh, so it is not as exotic as you may think.

Hepatitis A is a series of two injections, given six months apart. Some states require it for all children in preschool or childcare. Other states require it based on the number of cases in the community.

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4. Special warning on eczema medications

The FDA has placed a special warning on two eczema medications—Elidel and Protopic. The FDA conducted an investigation when concerns arose about increased risk of skin cancer and lymphoma. Although subsequent studies have been reassuring, the FDA requested these products list specific uses on their packaging. The products are not recommended for use in children under two years of age. And, they are recommended as a second-line treatment for eczema after initial therapy has failed.

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5. Home nebulizer storage

Young children who suffer from asthma or wheezing may have a home nebulizer machine. With time, these machines become contaminated with allergens—like dust mites or pet dander. These allergens can make a child’s wheezing even worse when he inhales them during a breathing treatment! The best way to prevent this problem is to keep your nebulizer stored in a sealed plastic bag.

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6. Watch BABY BARGAINS co-author Alan Fields on NBC Today Friday March 3!

Yes, in other news at our publishing company, look for Alan Fields, co-author of our other book BABY BARGAINS, live on NBC’s Today Show this Friday March 3 (9am hour). Fields will be talking about the best picks for baby strollers, with new models, advice and more.

Set the Tivo: BABY BARGAINS will be on NBC Today Show with Katie Couric, Friday March 3 in the 9am hour.

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Well, that’s the latest from the home office. Back to work on Toddler 411. Be on the lookout for periodic updates. We’ll be asking you for your favorite real world tips on toddlers as we get further along in this project.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields
authors, BABY 411
http://www.baby411.com