A roundup of recent newspaper stories about children's health...
Monday, July 2:
High
Dropout and Low
College Graduation Rates for State's Latinos
Latino students have among the highest dropout rates in California , and
just 13 percent of the state's U.S.-born Latinos earn a bachelor's degree.
This article notes the effects this may have on California , since Latinos
also are expected to be a majority of the state's population in roughly
a generation. (SF Chronicle, 6/24/07, by Hendricks)
Editorial:
Child Vaccines a 'Great Public Benefit'
This New York Times editorial points to facts that confirm there
is no correlation between autism and childhood vaccines, and implores
parents "to remain eager to get their children vaccinated."
(NY Times, 6/24/07)
Study: More Sick Kids Now Than Ever Before
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that rates of childhood chronic illness have quadrupled in the past 40 years. The increase is due to rising diagnoses of obesity, asthma, and attention deficit disorder, but researchers suggest that the causes are environmental and social, not genetic. (Bloomberg, 6/26/07, by Zimm)
Concern Over New Sex-Ed Curriculum
Parents in Newark, Calif., have expressed concern about a new
sex-ed curriculum for fifth- and sixth-graders, created to comply with
California's Comprehensive Sexual Health Education law. Although experts
say that sex education does not increase experimentation or sexual activity,
some parents kept their children from participating in the program because
they were not convinced that the content was age appropriate. (Inside
Bay Area, 6/26/07, by Brown)
Experts Advise Meningitis Shots for Kids 11-18
The national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended this week that all children between the ages of 11-18 receive a meningitis vaccination. The disease is rare but can be quite serious, and transmits easily between apparently healthy young people. (AP, 6/27/07, by Stobbe)
Big
Homes Work Against Family Bonding
As home sizes increase and family sizes decrease, experts worry that children who have their own rooms are missing out on family togetherness. While having a room to oneself can foster a child's responsibility and creativity, some parents say siblings sharing rooms leads to stronger bonding. (Tennessean, 6/28/07, by de la Cruz)
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