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Playgroups, Daycare Cut Leukemia Risk

Immune systems toughen when exposed to other children

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 29, 2008 12:31 PM CDT

(Newser) – Enrolling your kids in a preschool, playgroup or daycare center could reduce their risk of getting leukemia by 30-40%, a study finds. Exposing children to other youngsters at a tender age toughens their immune systems, which researchers infer helps them stave off the cancer.

Scientists believe childhood leukemia begins with a genetic mutation in the womb, and is then triggered by an infection in childhood. That theory remains unproven, but researchers say their survey, which reviewed results of 14 studies involving almost 20,000 children, provides compelling evidence.

Sabrina Rahim, watches her sons play at a playground in Boston in this file photo. (AP Photo/Lisa Poole)

Children play on a playground in this file photo. (Getty Images)

Kids play on a playground in this undated file photo. (AP Photo)

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Playgroups, Daycare Cut Leukemia Risk

Immune systems toughen when exposed to other children

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Home Daycare Turns Kids Into Couch Potatoes

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parenting • leukemia • daycare • health study • preschool

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Home Daycare Turns Kids Into Couch Potatoes

Child-care centers do far better at restricting boob tube time

Children of Divorce Face Doubled Stroke Risk

Study shows link between childhood stress, health

Lying Kids More Likely to Succeed (Honest!)

Researchers believe it's a sign of mental development

Day-Care Kids Take Bigger Risks

New fuel for mommy wars

Dutch Gov't Courts More 9-to-5 Women

Daycare program aims to get moms working; won’t conquer guilt

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Newser By Users

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