A roundup of recent newspaper stories about children's health...
Monday, Feb 26:
Cervical
Cancer Vaccine Debated
Some public health experts and lawmakers are concerned that state
governments are rushing to require the HPV vaccine for preteen girls.
While other drugs, such as the chicken pox vaccine, have been distributed
more gradually, the rush for the HPV vaccine is prompted by a desire to
protect against a virus that can cause cervical cancer, drug manufacturers
say. (NY Times, 2/17/06, By Saul)
Growing
Up with Autistic Siblings
Researchers once thought that children with disabilities should
be institutionalized so that their siblings' development would not be
adversely affected. This article discusses how that perception has changed
over time. Researchers now believe that growing up with an autistic sibling
may promote a greater capacity for empathy in children. (NY Times Magazine,
2/18/07, by Olsson)
Kids
Turn to Video Games to Fight Obesity
Many children are increasingly using video games to help them
exercise. New games that require users to be active aim to reduce childhood
obesity, and some schools have integrated the games into their physical
education curriculum. But experts say they're not sure if the fad will
last – or have a lasting impact. (SF Chronicle, 2/20/07, by Lelchuk)
Experts:
Media Images Harmful to Young Girls
The American Psychological Association has reported that exposure
to media portrayals of sexualized women has a detrimental effect on young
girls' body image, cognitive development and healthy sexual development.
Researchers suggest that sex education programs in schools should be expanded
to include media literacy and discussions of harmful stereotypes. (BBC,
2/20/07)
Lobbying
for Cervical Cancer Vaccine Suspended
The manufacturer of the vaccine for HPV, a virus that can cause
cervical cancer, has ended its efforts to encourage state laws requiring
that all preteen girls be vaccinated before entering middle school. The
company cited concerns that public scrutiny surrounding their campaign
was discouraging some parents from getting their daughters vaccinated.
(AP, 2/20/07, by Johnson)
States
Consider Laws Against Cyber-Bullying
Many states are considering legislation to combat cyber-bullying,
but lawmakers disagree on the best ways to stop the online attacks. Experts
also express skepticism about whether legislation would be effective.
(AP, 2/21/07)
More
Federal Money Needed for Children's Insurance
Eleven states are warning that they may have to suspend benefits
to some children enrolled in their insurance programs if the federal government
does not allocate more funds for the State Children's Health Insurance
Program (SCHIP). The programs are meant to cover kids from families whose
incomes are above the Medicaid threshold but who still may not be able
to afford insurance on their own. (AP, 2/22/07, by McCaffrey)
Anti-Spanking
Bill Dropped
Assemblywoman Sally Lieber, D-Mountain View, has dropped her
proposed anti-spanking legislation. Instead, she is pursuing a less extensive
bill aimed at enhancing child protection by classifying several other
forms of punishment as illegal, including shaking babies. (AP, 2/22/07,
by Davis )
| 
