A roundup of recent newspaper stories about children's health...
Monday, April 30:
Artwork
Shows Children's Response to Conflict
During World War II, children at a daycare center in Richmond
were encouraged to paint about their feelings. Now, those paintings have
been put on display and are being praised by child therapists. The therapists
say that the exhibit is an example of the therapeutic effect of artwork,
because it allows children to channel and express complex feelings. (SF
Chronicle, 4/23/07, by Jones)
Student Behavior May Endanger College Admission
University admissions officers are increasingly vigilant
in asking students about past discipline problems, including suspensions
and expulsions. This has created a dilemma for high school administrators
reporting such issues to colleges as they strive to maintain order in
sometimes different ways, with some high schools more strict than others.
(NY Times, 4/22/07, by Pappano)
'Family
Breakdown' Tops Youth Concerns
The top two issues concerning California youth are family breakdown and
neighborhood violence, according to a recent poll of 600 youth ages 16
to 22 commissioned by New America Media. However, youth surveyed expressed
hope for their future, with most saying that they expect to go to college
and to have a higher standard of living than their parents. Our foundation
has sponsored activities for ethnic media in association with New America
Media. (SF Chronicle, 4/25/07, by Lelchuk and Emam)
More Adolescent Specialists Needed
Many experts nationwide say that there too few adolescent medicine specialists
to meet the need from the growing population of preteens and teenagers.
This article discusses why the adolescent specialty has not become more
popular among new doctors. (NY Times, 4/24/07, by Hoffman)
Obesity
Surgery for Teens to Be Evaluated
Researchers have begun the first comprehensive study of the effects
of obesity surgery on teenagers. The researchers hope to examine the long-term
emotional effects for teens, as well as the surgery's impact on obesity-related
conditions, such as diabetes. (AP, 4/26/07, by Cornwell)
Filling in Gaps for Homeless Youth
This article profiles some of the residents of Berkeley's Youth
Emergency Assistance Hostel (YEAH), which offers temporary housing to
homeless youth. Many of the youth living at the hostel are former foster
youth who became homeless after "aging-out" of the system when
they turned 18. (Oakland Tribune, 4/24/07, by Steffens)
| 
