health and wellness

Prenatal Smoking and Its Detriment to Children’s Academic Performance

Recent research led by Dr. Bereket Duko highlights the significant long-term impacts of maternal prenatal smoking on children’s academic performance, requiring heightened awareness and intervention.

Published

7 months ago

August 29, 2024

Hal Machina

Maternal Prenatal Smoking

For years, health professionals and global campaigns have highlighted the harmful impacts of smoking, focusing on diseases and health conditions linked to this perilous habit. Despite significant progress and awareness, a less-discussed consequence is the effect of prenatal smoking on the academic potential of unborn children. Recent research sheds light on this critical issue, signaling a need for heightened awareness and intervention.

The Research Findings

In a comprehensive study led by Dr. Bereket Duko from the University of South Australia, along with collaborators from Curtin University, SAHMRI, Harvard University, and others, significant findings have emerged concerning prenatal smoking and its long-term effects on children’s educational outcomes. Through a systematic review of 19 studies encompassing over 1.25 million participants, a startling 79% of the studies indicated that maternal prenatal smoking resulted in children’s reduced academic achievements.

Further enforced by a meta-analysis involving eight primary studies with 723,877 participants, evidence showed that children exposed to prenatal tobacco smoke were 49% more likely to exhibit poor academic performance than their counterparts not exposed. This research not only highlights the direct impacts on learning capabilities but also underscores the extensive reach of prenatal smoking effects.

Ongoing Public Health Challenge

Despite the decreasing prevalence of smokers, with only 8.7% of Australian mothers reported smoking during pregnancy in 2021, the fight against tobacco usage continues. The persistence of smoking among expectant mothers demonstrates an ongoing public health challenge that requires targeted strategies and educational efforts.

Wide-Ranging Consequences

Dr. Duko’s research team emphasizes that the implications of maternal prenatal smoking extend beyond immediate health concerns. The risk encompasses higher miscarriage rates, stillbirth, restricted growth and development, serious birth defects, and adverse mental health outcomes. Now, proven detriments to academic achievement further illustrate the sweeping impacts on a child’s quality of life and potential.

Implications and Calls to Action

This new evidence serves as a critical call to action. Dr. Duko stresses the importance of enhanced educational initiatives towards expectant mothers, making them aware not only of the health risks but also the long-term academic challenges their children could face due to prenatal smoking. The findings advocate for a more aggressive approach in anti-smoking campaigns, ensuring that potential mothers understand the comprehensive risks involved.

As researchers like Dr. Duko continue to unveil the hidden dangers of prenatal smoking, it becomes increasingly clear that protecting future generations requires sustained efforts and robust education strategies. The academic future of millions of children may depend on the decisions made by parents today, making it imperative that the message about the dangers of prenatal smoking reaches all corners of society, ensuring that every child has the best possible start in life. The fight against tobacco is far from over, but with continued research and proactive public health strategies, progress is within reach.

Read the Newswise press release to understand the crucial findings about prenatal smoking. The study highlights significant risks associated with smoking during pregnancy, emphasizing how it could negatively impact the academic achievement of unborn babies. This comprehensive analysis explores various dimensions of how prenatal exposure to tobacco can lead to lasting cognitive and educational challenges for children as they grow. For more detailed information and insights, please visit the Newswise article.

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Author

Hal Machina

Hal Machina is a passionate writer, blogger, and self-proclaimed journalist who explores the intersection of science, tech, and futurism. Join him on a journey into innovative ideas and groundbreaking discoveries! View all posts journalist

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Related Topics:academic performance prenatal smoking public health

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Hal Machina

Hal Machina is a passionate writer, blogger, and self-proclaimed journalist who explores the intersection of science, tech, and futurism. Join him on a journey into innovative ideas and groundbreaking discoveries!

News

Coca-Cola Recall Alert: Thousands of Cans Pulled From Shelves in Two States

Published

3 days ago

March 27, 2025

Hal Machina

selective focus photography of red coca-cola can lot on box — Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels.com

In a significant recall notification, Coca-Cola has announced the withdrawal of over 10,000 cans of its popular beverage due to concerns over foreign object contamination. This announcement was initially made on March 6, and affected cans were sold in the states of Illinois and Wisconsin.

This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the risk level of this recall as Class 2. This designation indicates that consuming the affected Coca-Cola “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” although the chances of serious health consequences are deemed to be remote.

Which Coca-Cola Products Were Recalled?

The recall impacts a total of 864 packs of 12 cans of Coca-Cola, amounting to 10,368 cans in total. The specific details of the recalled products are as follows:

Product Description: Coca-Cola Original Taste, 12 Fl Oz
Can UPC: 0 49000-00634 6
12-Can Pack UPC: 0 49000-02890 4
Date Code: SEP2925MDA
Time Stamp: 1100-1253

Which States Are Affected?

The recall specifically concerns Coca-Cola cans distributed in the following states:

Illinois
Wisconsin

Why Were the Coca-Cola Cans Recalled?

The FDA has reported that these Coca-Cola cans were recalled due to contamination with a foreign object, in this case, plastic. Such contaminants can inadvertently enter food and beverage products at various stages during the production process, posing a safety risk if ingested. It is important to note that the FDA report did not indicate any associated injuries related to this specific recall

If you have purchased Coca-Cola cans with the above UPC codes in Illinois or Wisconsin, it is recommended that you refrain from consuming the affected products. Instead, please return them to the store where you purchased them for a full refund or exchange. Staying informed about product recalls is crucial to consumer safety, and it is always advisable to check for the latest updates from the FDA and Coca-Cola regarding product safety issues. For any additional questions, feel free to reach out to Coca-Cola directly or visit the FDA’s website. Stay safe!

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Lifestyle

Finding Clinical Trial Resources

Published

6 days ago

March 24, 2025

Daily News Staff

(Family Features) If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, a clinical trial may be an option for you. Clinical trials are necessary for finding new ways of preventing, detecting or treating these diseases and others. To learn more about inflammatory bowel disease clinical research, visit crohnscolitisfoundation.org/clinical-trials-community and consider resources from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation that can provide information on types of clinical trials, what to expect when participating in a clinical study, questions to ask your doctor, stories from clinical trial participants, how to find a clinical trial and more.

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SOURCE:
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

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Food and Beverage

MUTANT SAYS “GET YOUR GREENS FOR BIGGER GAINS”

Published

1 week ago

March 22, 2025

Daily News Staff

Hardcore sports nutrition company debuts epic superfood drink mix, Big Greens, at The Arnold Sports Festival

PORT COQUITLAM, BC /PRNewswire/ — Fit Foods Ltd., a leading Canadian-based sports nutrition company in the bodybuilding and fitness industry for those born different, knows what drives the hardcore. Those who live for the iron—wrapping their hands around the weights, prepping for the set, grinding out the reps, and scaring their best into submission—aren’t content with average. They bring a relentless, hardcore attitude because it fuels their existence. They stand out in the crowd, united by muscle, and they’re hungry for more. MUTANT gets it. That’s why they craft serious supplements and quality apparel with kick-ass purpose, built solely for those who refuse to settle. And now, they’re unveiling their latest weapon: Big Greens, debuting at The Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio.

BigGreens JustChoc — Big Greens is a new epic superfoods drink mix from MUTANT that is debuting at The Arnold Sports Festival.

Big Greens is an epic superfoods drink mix that isn’t for the faint-hearted. Big Greens is the greenest greens on the market, engineered to support immune system function, muscle recovery, proper muscle contractions, and a reduction in oxidative stress—because those who live this lifestyle demand more than the basics. Available in two bold flavors, Berry Good and Just Chocolate, it packs a high-dose punch with key ingredients like spirulina, KSM-66^® ashwagandha, DE111^® probiotic, and over 40 superfoods. This is manufacturer-direct, multi-award-winning innovation from a team that lives the grind just as fiercely as their fans.

“Your mother always told you to eat your greens, so we made the greenest greens out there: easy, quick, and built for you to drink alone or stack with your favorite protein powder. This isn’t some watered-down drink mix — just look at the label — it’s for those who dominate and who push their limits in the gym and beyond,” said MUTANT President and CEO Jim McMahon. “They don’t just train, eat, and sleep—they attack every rep to be their best. Big Greens is built for them and to harness their discipline in a convenient way that also helps with better recovery.”

Fans eager to step up can visit MUTANT at The Arnold Sports Festival, booth 1245, to learn more, sample Big Greens, and enter for a chance to win epic prizes. They can also join a special meet-and-greet with Mitchell Hooper, the 2x Defending Arnold Strongman Champion and Strongest Man on Earth, on Sunday at 10 a.m. Big Greens hits shelves in May 2025, available online and at select retailers nationwide, including GNC stores. Each 10.4-ounce bottle delivers 30 servings of pure intensity, featuring innovative blends like 4,525 mg of Land & Sea Greens Giga Blend, 1,239 mg of Superfood Phyto Blend, 821 mg of Daily Reset Blend, and 725 mg of Pre and Probiotics / Digestive Blend.

For those born different, born hardcore, MUTANT’s got their back. Visit www.mutantnation.com for more on Big Greens and the MUTANT lifestyle.

About Fit Foods Ltd
Fit Foods Ltd, a world-class manufacturer of sports nutrition proteins and other supplements, specializing in powders. Its extensive variety of products and formulas has earned it international recognition for superior-tasting quality products and has resulted in a leading position in the marketplace. Fit Foods brands are distributed worldwide in 70+ countries. Its Canada based manufacturing facilities are GMP compliant, NHP site licensed (#300341), CFIA licensed (4420), US FDA licensed, and Certified Organic by PACS (#16-463). MUTANT is one of the companies most beloved brands.

SOURCE Fit Foods Ltd.