Insomnia Institute of Higher Learning

For college students, December isn’t necessarily a time to deck to the halls, but more so a time to hit the books. With the end of the semester upon them and finals weeks, students spend every waking moment possible studying in hopes of securing that final A plus.

Although that 4.0 GPA may feel great, the sleep deprivation and stresses added to students to achieve this goal is unhealthy for the body. According to an article on medicalnewstoday.com, stress about school and life keeps 68 percent of students awake at night - 20 percent of them at least once a week.

Cardiovascular and immune system issues, as well as weight gain, are some of the effects of sleep deprivation.

With our own finals weeks currently taking place at Howard, I asked a couple of students how their sleeping habits, or lack thereof, have been.

“Normally I try to get like six or seven hours of sleep but last week I got like two or three a night,” says Candace Smith, a junior, broadcast journalism major.

According to the Journal of Adolescent Health, the average sleep necessary for young adults is 8 hours. However, research shows that only 30 percent of young adults actually meet this requirement.

“Sleep? What’s that?” laughs Jarrod Richardson, a senior, engineering major. “I live in the library. I think the last time I got a real night’s rest was about two weeks ago.”

Out of the five students I spoke with, all of them admitted to skipping out on sleep in order to prepare for finals. Personally, I have been guilty of staying up until 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning this past week cramming in as much information as possible for an upcoming final.

In order to help them stay awake, students explained the heavy use of energy drinks to help them remain alert.

“I drink 5 Hour Energies and Red Bulls all the time,” says Zack Johnson, a junior, administration of justice major. “Last week I probably rank a total of 20 Red Bulls to finish up a project.”

Once again, I find myself guilty of indulging in an energy drink here and there to shake off sleepiness. However, what students sometimes fail to realize are how unhealthy the constant consumption of these supplements can be.

Heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, and infertility are just some of the side effects associated with energy drinks.

Although it is important to ace your final this year, it’s more important to be healthy enough to see the next semester. As a result, students should be more cognizant of the effects of sleep deprivation, stress, and energy drinks.


Picture: http://today.ttu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/tired.jpg

Slim Students Only

The idea of being too heavy to walk across stage isn’t a typical thought running through the head of students upon graduation. However, for 24 students at Lincoln University, their weight may hinder them from receiving a diploma.

Lincoln University, a historically black college in Oxford County, Pennsylvania, implemented a policy in 2006 that requires the frequent measurement of students’ body mass index. According to CNN, students with a BMI of 30 and above, labeling them as obese, are required to take a fitness course for three hours a week. Those who do not complete this class will not be allowed to graduate.

Since Lincoln University is an HBCU, I automatically thought about what would happen if this policy was adopted at Howard. Polling a few students around my dorm, I realized that the majority of them have the same sentiments as most of the student at Lincoln University.

"If this policy was adopted at Howard I wouldn't like it," explains Jeremy Williams, a junior, sports medicine major. "Being from Mississippi, which is the most obese state in America, I understand that it is a major problem. But I just wouldn't like it, especially for my obese friends. That's not cool."

One aspect, however, that has not been focused on was brought to my attention by another student. What if students are underweight?

"Being underweight is a problem too," says Ryan Hamilton, a junior, communication and culture major. "It can be just as bad as obesity but no one ever focuses on that issue. What would happen if I didn't make the average BMI? Would I still be able to graduate?"

This is a legitimate question probably not thought of by the faculty at Lincoln University. Yes, it is true that obesity is a continuing problem faced in the black community. However, because only about 5 percent of the African American population fall into the category of being underweight, the risks of are often overlooked. More than likely, the reason for this is because the thought of blacks being underweight, anorexic, or bulimic are often thought to be a myth. But, according to an article on the website of the University of Southern California published this March, a study that was led by USC economist Michelle Goeree has revealed that African-American teen girls age 19 to 20 are 50 percent more likely to suffer from eating disorders, such as bulimia, than white girls are.

To be classified as underweight, a person's body mass index must be 19 or below. Some of the risks of being underweight include anemia, bone loss, delayed wound healing, heart irregularities, and blood vessel disease. According to the National Population Health Survey, underweight people were 70 percent more likely than people of normal weight to die, and extremely obese people were 36 percent more likely to die.

With the risk of death increasing as much, and even beyond, for underweight people as for obese people, this is a factor that should seriously be considered. What about those students who are underweight? Would they be forced to take a nutrition class? Would they be encouraged to increase their calorie intake? In my opinion, all aspects of student's health should be considered when forcing a graduation requirement among the student body. A re-evaluation of the policy may need to be considered.

Sources: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/30/lincoln.fitness.overweight/index.html

http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/27/a-university-takes-aim-at-obesity/

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-06/gi-uae062309.php

http://www.schs.state.nc.us/SCHS/brfss/2008/nc/afam/rf1.html

http://www.teen-eating-disorders.net/teen_eating_disorders/study-reveals-stunning-prevalence-of-bulimia-among-african-american-girls.php

www.dshs.wa.gov/word/adsa/ddd/LowWeight.doc

Photo from: www.mmcdiet.com/images/weightScale.jpg

There's Nothing Like a Good Laugh

According to HealthDay News, a recent study discovered that laughter may possibly lower the risk of a heart attack and improve cholesterol levels.

For the study, two Californian doctors, Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan, gathered 20 middle aged type 2 diabetics. The average for those in the study was 50. Each participant had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and and were currently on medication to treat both as well as diabetes.

The participants were split into two groups - the control group and the laughter group. Those in the laughter group were instructed to watch something they found funny, most commonly movies and sitcoms, for 30 minutes every day. The study ended after 12 months.

After the study, while the control group only had a 3 percent increase in good cholesterol levels, those in the laughter group had an increase of 26 percent.

"I think its amazing," said Doris Shaw, 58. "It's good to known something as simple as laughing can help. Good thing I do it all the time!" laughed Shaw, a diabetic.

C-reactive proteins, an indication of inflammation associated with heart disease, declined by 66 percent by those in the laughter group. The control group only experienced a decline by 26 percent.

Dr. Berk explains the findings by associating good laughter with an increase of good chemicals in the body. According to HealthDay News, Berk says, "you are decreasing the bad chemicals in your body with laughter, [which] may prevent disease and may well have [additional] value relative to the therapies you are taking."

Source: http://health.yahoo.com/news/healthday/laughtermaylowerheartattackriskindiabetics.html;_ylt=AuPjSOzIi54YmLeO_49oYGimxbAB

It's Nothing but a Little Baby Fat

Researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center found that adults who retain their baby fat are more likely to win the fight against obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The study involved about 2,000 participants.

Baby fat, also known as "good" brown fat, burns calories in order to heat the body. This results in brown fat being more active during the colder seasons. It also helps regulate body weight. Contrastingly, white fat, which is the most common fat, stores energy, adding to weight gain.

The study found that brown fat was more commonly found in women than in men. Also, those with more brown fat tended to be younger.

According to bbc.com, brown fat was once believe to only exist during the adolescent years. However, some adults still do have brown fat and slimmer adults have higher counts of brown fat than heavier adults.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7988252.stm

Salmonella Scare Part Deux

The Food and Drug Administration's federal officials confirmed on Monday the presence of salmonella in pistachios at Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. Located in central Califonia, the plant is the second largest pistachio processor in the U.S.

To date, no illnesses have been reported.

Last week, the Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. recalled 2 million pounds of nuts. According to aol.com, Setton Pistachio was the pistachio supplier to Kraft foods and 35 other wholesalers.

"I've been eating pistachios all week!" says Brittany Jacob.

Jacob, a sophomore communications major said she rarely pays attention to news of the health industry. "I definitely need to pay more attention because I would hate to get sick!"

FDA federal regulators suggest the avoidance of pistachio consumption until it has been cleared by the FDA. They also discourage the sale of the nut and the use of pistachios in meal preparation.

Sources: http://news.aol.com/health/article/salmonella-pistachio-plant/405593

Faceplant

On Thursday, surgeons at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston performed a 17-hour procedure that completed the second partial face transplant in U.S. history.

According to CNN.com, the patient had lost the "bony structures of his mid-face, including his nose, hard palate, and his overlying soft tissues, such as the upper lip." Although the injuries were not life-threatening, they were very traumatic.

Seven plastic surgeons were involved in the procedure.

To perform the procedure, doctors first had to find a donor who matched in age, skin color, and tissue characteristics of the patient. Chief plastic surgeon, Dr. Bohdan Pomahac, believes that it is a 60% chance that the patient will look like he once did.

Prior to the operation, the patient underwent several years of psychiatric therapy and was explained the major risks associated with the surgery.

Risks from the surgery include clotting, which would occur within the first 24 hours of the operation, and infection, which would surface within the first 10 days of the operation

The first partial face transplant took place in December at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio where a woman was able to repair 80% of her face.

Sources: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/10/boston.face.transplant/index.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7786236.stm

Rocket Power

Scientists for the Center of Disease Control and Prevention found hints of perchlorate, a chemical used in rocket fuel, in powered baby formula. The largest amount of the chemical was found in formula's developed from cow's milk.

Although the chemical can occur naturally, it was been linked "defense and aerospace sites." Perchlorate has also been found in the drinking water supply of numerous cities

Health problems are yet to be found during the testing of the chemical; however, too much of the chemical can cause thyroid issues, which affect the metabolism. It also can cause harm to the development of the fetus and the baby's brain.

The height and weight of the baby and how much formula is actually consumed determines the risk brought by the chemical.

Despite the effects, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not recommend the alteration of eating habits because of the chemical.

According to Comcast.net news, the researchers are not releasing which exact brands of baby formula contained traces of perchlorate.

Source: http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-health/20090406/Baby.Formula.Perchlorate

Fish - Food for Brains

According to Reuters Health, Swedish researchers discovered that teenage boys who ate fish more than once a week tended to score high on intelligence tests 3 years later. The study included about 5,000 15-year-old boys.

The boys in the study filled out a questionnaire when they were 15 about their dietary habits and took an intelligence test when they were 18.

These findings are significant according to Dr. Maria Aberg, lead researcher from Goteborg University because "the late-teens are a critical period for the brain 'plasticity' that underlies intelligence and emotional and social behavior. Plasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize the connections among cells in response to normal experience, like learning a new skill, or to injury."

The reasoning for the positive impacts of the fish is believed to be the omega-3 fats, found in fish such as salmon and albacore tuna, which helps with brain development and functioning.

Source: http://health.yahoo.com/news/reuters/us_fish_boys.html;_ylt=AjVNSUyHx.0EKmu.fp9KLOuz5xcB

Sweetened...not Soured

With its almond shape and cranberry color, synsepalum dulcificum - better known as the "miracle fruit" - can turn every sour taste sweet within the first 15 to 30 minutes of its ingestion.

Native to West Africa, the "miracle fruit" contains miraculin, a natural protein which has sugar molecules that stick to the tongue, triggering the tongue's sweet receptive taste buds. After eating the "miracle fruit", lemons and limes and can taste like sweet ... and Tabasco sauce can taste like tingling honey.

Because of its amazing effects on foods, the fruit is currently being used in several different medical studies.

In one case, the "miracle fruit" is being used in a study for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, several patients not only lose weight, but they also lose their taste senses, resulting in further weight loss and sometimes even malnutrition. Dr. Mike Cusnir, a lead researcher on the project and oncologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center, is hoping that by giving his patients the fruit, they will be able to regain some amount of taste and want to eat more. According to CNN, the feedback from his patients have been mixed.

The "miracle fruit", which has been growing in South Florida since about 1974, has created a buzz among exotic fruit eaters and fruit-lovers alike. People have even participated in parties where they pay $10 to $35 to taste the fruit.

Low on calories and high on taste, doctors have currently been considering the fruit as a helpful resource for diabetics and those suffering from obesity.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/25/miracle.berries.weightloss/index.html

Pizza at the Push of a Button

In Italy, a freshly baked pizza can be made right in front of your eyes with the new "Let's Pizza" vending machine in just under 3 minutes. Developed by Claudio Torghele at the University of Bologna, the machine creates and rolls out dough, spreads on tomato sauce, adds your choice of topping, and bakes it, providing customers with a pizza in a matter of minutes.

Currently there are 4 toppings available - bacon, ham, cheese and tomato, and fresh vegetable.

"I think is it really cool!" says Ugo Mbadugha, freshman at the University of Georgia. "I wish something like this was available here at school. Then we could get pizza at anytime without the wait of delivery."

The price of the pizza is about 4 euros, equivalent to about 6 U.S. dollars. Due to tough economic times in Europe, the low price of the pizza machine is another plus for its customers.

Because Italy is known for its cuisine and the time and care put into creating its dishes, some Italian chefs are not too excited about the pizza vending machine. According to Reuters, Pizzeria Brandi chef Marcello says, "Unfortunately, today people invent many things, but you can't make any comparison, especially in terms of quality. The only benefit is the price."

Source: http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=12674257&ch=4226714&src=news

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090326/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_pizza_machine_1

Red Meat Radar

According to a recent study conducted by researchers from the National Cancer Institute, individuals who eat a large amount of red meat "have a higher risk of dying over a 10-year period - mostly because of caridovascular disease or cancer" than those who have less daily intake of red meat.

The research team's study included about half a million people aged 50 to 71 over a 10-year period. The red meat being evaluated included all types of beef and pork. Those individuals who ate most red meat had a 30 percent mortality rate than those who ate less. The cause of the majority of the deaths was due to cancer or cardiovascular disease.

Researchers estimate that an average of 13.5 percent of the deaths could have been prevented with a reduction of their consumption of red meat.

Despite the risks included with consumption, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, Lona Sandon, R.D., does not suggest people stop eating red meat for it provides nutrients such protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

The doctors suggest that instead people increase their intake of white meat (chicken, turkey, fish, etc.) and protein-high foods suchs as eggs, beans, and low-fat dairy.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/23/healthmag.red.meat.lifespan/index.html

Summer Migrane Madness

A recent publication in the Neurology journal revealed that hot weather can increase the chances of migranes.

During the study, researchers compared the number of emergency room visits for headaches during a seven year period with several environmental aspects on the days leading up to the visit.

Results concluded that high temperatures and low air pressure and trigger migranes and even non-migrane headaches.

"Living in Atlanta, it's hot for the majority of the year," says sophomore public relations major Serena Rogers from Clark Atlanta University. "When I do get migranes, its usually in the summertime, so this study makes a lot of sense."

Storms, a product of low air pressure, also cause migrane and headache issues.

The researchers suggest that people who are used to migranes check the weather forecast and even take medication in preparation.

According to Neurology, consultant neurologist and spokesman for the Migraine Trust, Dr. Brendan Davies said,"this does not mean that just because there is a hot day people are going to have a migraine the next day, although it is more likely. We do not want people taking too many painkillers too often because that carries its own risks."

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7931945.stm

"Old" School

An Australian study has discovered that children with older fathers tend to score lower on IQ tests during infant and adolescent years.

According to Reuters, during the study, researchers analyzed data from intelligence tests taken by more than 33,000 U.S. children who were born between 1959 and 1965. "The children were tested at 8 months, 4 years and 7 years and were assessed for their sensory discrimination, hand-eye coordination, reading, spelling and arithmetic ability."

The results if the study revealed that those children with older fathers scored lower on the test, in contrast to those with older mother who tended to score higher on the given IQ tests.

Research concludes that those with older mothers score higher because they were more nurtured at home. Those with older fathers were more likely to not be nurtured as much.

Also, those children with older aged fathers are more subject to "mutation". According to researchers, the older a man gets, the more "incidents of mutation the sperm" is likely to have, created an effect on their offsprings.

Older parents is more of a trend now in developed countries, however, the side effects to late child birth is often never considered.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29595513/

Incredible Hulk Bulk

Recent studies show that hostile men tend to put on more weight than those of a calmer nature; no wonder tough guys always seem so big!


The body mass index of those men with high hostility levels increased over a period of 20 years according to a study done by French Dr. Hermann Nebi and his researchers.

The study included men and women ranging from ages 35 to 55. The study concluded that both men and women with higher hostility levels had higher BMI's. However, as men's hostility rates increased so did there BMI, contrasting women's rates which remained constant.

Hostility has also been associated with high blood pressure, heart disease and a high risk of death according to prior studies.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29433563/

Crown Royal Cancer RIsk

Recent research uncovered that modest alcohol consumption can increase the risks of breast, digestive tract, liver, and other cancers for middle-age women. Women who drink and smoke also put themselves at a higher risk for cancers of the mouth and throat.

University of Oxford lead researcher Naomi Allen used 1.2 million women up to 75 years old for her study. The majority of the participants had about one drink per day while a smaller amount of participants had three or more drinks per day. Over 7 years of follow-up, more than 68,700 women developed cancer.

The type of alcohol consumed did not create a difference in the overall results.

The higher amount of alcohol intake resulted in the higher health risk of cancer. The surprising part of the study seemed to be that the risk increased even with very low amounts of alcohol consumption.

"I have a glass of wine maybe twice a week," said Evelyn Johnson, 64. "Studies such as this are helpful because they make me more aware of what risks are involved with just my normal everyday activities."

Representatives of the American Cancer Society say the study confirms previous studies done on men and smaller groups of women. They suggest limits of one drink a day for women and two drinks a day to men.

Despite previous research that shows alcohol may help decrease the risks of heart disease, they do not encourage the start of consumption.

http://health.yahoo.com/news/healthday/drinkingraisescancerriskformiddleagewomen.html

And Now, a Moment from Our Sponsor...

Ingrid Sturgis, Howard University professor by day and world famous author by night, is using her own observations and research to detail her new book on interracial dating between black women and other races.

An established author of a relationship based book entitled The Nubian Wedding: Words and Rituals to Celebrate and Plan an African-American Wedding, and numerous articles on black love, Sturgis is no stranger to the topic of love and relations.

“When I worked at Essence [magazine], we did a survey on how black women felt on dating outside the race; 60 percent were okay with dating outside of their race, and that was surprising to me,” said Sturgis. This research, along with studies done on eHarmony.com, sparked the focus of her new book that is currently in production.

Born and raised in the South Bronx, Sturgis was able to grow up around a variety of people and relationships. Those observations made while living in the melting pot of New York is what Sturgis is using to obtain most of her stories and information.

“I’ve seen it here more than anywhere in the world. I, personally, have never really dated outside of the race. It’s not about my experiences but the experience of other people I know,” explain Sturgis.

The main focus of Sturgis’s new book is the relationships between black women and men outside of their race, an often controversial topic in the African-American community. Studies show that black women are least likely to date outside of their race among all ethnic groups. However, because of the lack of available black men, Sturgis believes black women are “having greater choices and taking advantage of their options.”

“I’m writing the trend,” says Sturgis. “The trend has to do with the unavailability of black men to be married. [Black women] are opening up.” The completion date for Sturgis’s new book is yet to be determined.

City Stroke

According to University of Michigan in Ann Arbor researchers, residents of cities with numerous fast food restaurants within their proximity are more inclined to strokes.

The study was conducted between January 2000 and June 2003 in Nueces County, TX where there are more than 260 fast food restaurants. Over 1,200 strokes were recorded due to blood clots during the time of the study.

The observed relationship between the city and the fast food restaurants suggested a 1 percent increase in stroke per fast food restaurant.

Researcher Dr. Lewis B. Morgenstern says they are still unsure whether the reasoning for this association is because of the actual consumption of the fast food or if the fast food restaurants were just placed in unhealthy neighborhoods.

The National Restaurant Association disagrees with the study for lack of data and says the study failed to mention the eating and exercise habits of the individuals involved. Spokeswoman Beth Johnson defends fast food chains by explaining how the industry continues to offer healthier options for its consumers and how the study has not legit association between fast food consumption and strokes.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/19/stroke.fast.food/index.html

No Smoking Zone

Individuals exposed to secondhand smoke are at a high risk of developing dementia according to current research done by University of Cambridge and University of Michigan researchers.

The researchers took 4,809 nonsmokers over the age of 50 and tested their salivary cotinine concentration. HealthDay reporter Steven Reinberg explains cotinine as “a product of nicotine that can be found in saliva for about 25 hours after exposure to smoke.”

Those participating in the study also took memory, math, and verbal tests to evaluate their cognitive impairment and brain functionality. Individuals who scored in the lowest 10 percentile were recorded as having some type of cognitive damage.

Increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease for passive smokers are already well-known. This study now can add dementia to list of dangers caused by secondhand smoke, for those exposed have an increased risk of about 44 percent.

According to lead researcher Ian Lang, there is a direct relationship between cognitive function and secondhand smoke; the more exposure to secondhand smoke, the more an individual’s cognitive functions become weaken and increase the possibilities of dementia.

“People should definitely take this study seriously,” says Connie Ross, a 51-year-old African-American woman. “As someone who has been married to a smoker for 28 years, this study really hits home.”

http://health.yahoo.com/news/healthday/secondhandsmokelinkedtodementia.html

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/338/feb12_2/b462

Estrogen vs. Testosterone on Capitol Hill

Recent medical evidence shows that women are less risky in their decision making than men, resulting in the idea that they may be better government and economic leaders.

It is evident that all of the top bankers on Capitol Hill are men. The current state of Wall Street is perhaps the consequence of four things: greed, glory, disaster, and risk – each issue related to high levels of testosterone.

A Cambridge University scientist tested the saliva of male traders and found that their testosterone rose when they made large amounts of money. This brings people believe that more estrogen present in the field may be beneficial.

Scientific studies show that women use both sides of their brain more than men, making them less risky than their counterparts. Also, oxytocin, a hormone present in women, makes them more cautious under stress and likely to look at the bigger picture.

These recent discoveries suggest gender balance is key in government and economics. Men are known to be fast reactors, short-term thinkers, and big risk-takers. To create more equilibrium, more women in management positions insinuate good results for businesses.

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6862108

Salmonella Shipping Scandal

Recent inspection records show Georgia-based company Peanut Corp. of America continued to ship off salmonella-contaminated peanuts after knowing that the products were or could be tainted.

The Food and Drug Administration reported the company continued to ship some products after the tested peanuts had either been confirmed for salmonella or had not recieved the clearing test results. For example, the FDA reports that on July 18 and 24, the company sent out chopped peanuts after a private lab had confirmed salmonella in the products. This is in contradiction to Federal Law which forbids shipping or producing products that could be harmful to the consumers' health. Finding show that this has been happening as far back as 2007.

Eight deaths and over 500 illness are the result of the recent salmonella outbreak, including 1,550 product call backs. ABC News reports that a criminal investigation has been opened by the Justice Department.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/06/peanut.butter/index.html
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=6825713

Double Take

According to Tara Parker of the NY Times, 200 sets of identical twins were used in an aging study to determine what outside factors contribute to facial aging during the annual twin convention in Twinsberg, Ohio.

The researching doctors chose identical twins because they are "genetically programmed" to age at the same rate, making it easier to distinguish what outside environmental and life experiences quicken the aging process. The study focused only on identical twin women; no men were involved in the study.

Using photographs, a panel would point out the aging differences in the appearance of each twin to determine which one looked older than the other. Several factors were established as increased aging factors such as depression, sun exposure, divorce, stress, and smoking. The twin who had more experience or exposure to the aforementioned factors usually appeared older than the twin who did not.

51-year-old identical twin Bonnie Richardson finds the study to be quite accurate: "[My sister and I] basically look the same. This is probably because we have about an equal amount of stress and sun exposure and are both married. The aging process seems to be the same for both of us right now."

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/twin-studies-explain-wrinkles-of-aging/

Dirt & Worms: Breakfast for Babies?

According to the New York Times Health writer Jane E. Brody, recent scientific developments have discovered that babies' consumption of dirt can help build a healthy immune system.

The study, called the hygiene hypothesis, reports that eating dirt exposes the immune system to several organisms such as viruses and bacteria, allowing the immune system to respond and develop naturally stronger.

Howard University Nursing major Dana Barnes believes "it is possibly a productive way of building up your [immune] system, but not one that I would personally recommend for babies, or anyone at that matter".

I personally agree. The thought of a mother allowing her child to eat dirt in order to build an immune system just does not sound like healthy parenting to me. But scientifically speaking, it just may be okay.