Health Library

Dads Play a Key Role A study in a 2004 issue of the journal Child Development , researchers found that mothers' involvement was particularly important for a young girl, but that a father's involvement as the girl grows into a preteen and teen is beneficial for her psychological well-being and development of her identity.

Donating Blood Fewer than 5 percent of Americans who could donate blood actually do so each year, according to the American Association of Blood Banks. The average donor is a college-educated white male, between the ages of 30 and 50, who is married and has an above-average income. About 38,000 units of red blood cells are needed each day in the United States.

Family Fitness Limit how much time your children spend watching TV and playing video games. Don't eat snacks while watching TV. Schedule family fitness activities such as biking, hiking or tennis. Set exercise goals as a family to help everyone stick to the fitness plan. When the weather is bad, try indoor exercise ideas such as jumping jacks or Simon Says.

Heart Disease and Women Although many women may see cancer as their most serious health threat, heart disease is the bigger killer. Researchers at New York University School of Medicine reported in 2004 that heart disease is the leading cause of death in U.S. women over age 45. Each year, 430,000 women die of heart disease.

New UV Index The Global UV Index, launched in 2004 by the NWS, World Health Organization and other international groups, uses a scale of 1-2, very low exposure; 3-5, moderate exposure; 6-7, high; 8-10, very high; and 11 and higher, extreme exposure. The old scale ranged from 0, minimal, to 10+, very high.

Skimping on Sun Protection Few parents are making sure that their children and teens are protected against the sun, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The ACS says that fewer than one in three teens wears sunscreen, protective clothing or a protective hat.

Sleep and the Sexes The sleeping patterns of men and women can differ, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Half of all U.S. men admit to snoring, but only 36 percent of women. And half of American males say they would go to sleep earlier if they didn't have television or the Internet; 42 percent of females say this.

Some Children Still Lacking Immunizations More than 20 percent of 3-year-olds in the United States have not had all the vaccines recommended, according to the CDC. The good news is that more American children than ever have been immunized. Children start out at birth with a vaccine against hepatitis B.

Watching for Melanoma Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Often, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color or feel of an existing mole, according to the National Cancer Institute. If you have any of these signs, see your health care provider.

Women and Folic Acid More women of childbearing age are getting enough folic acid to prevent birth defects, according to the March of Dimes. About 40 percent of women now get enough folic acid, which can reduce the risk for having a child with spinal bifida or other neural tube defects, or a brain defect such as anencephaly.