A roundup of recent newspaper stories about children's health...
Monday, June 18:
Court to Hear Autism-Vaccine Case
Starting today, a special federal "vaccine court" will
hear the case of 5,000 families who claim that mercury contained in childhood
vaccines causes autism. Many experts have found no link between the two.
In court, however, the burden of proof is based on the legal standard
of plausibility, rather than scientific evidence. Public health officials
warn that a plaintiff victory could lead to a decrease in vaccinations
and an increase in illness and death from the diseases they prevent. (Washington
Post, 6/11/07, by Vedantam)
Higher
Rate of Suicide Among Indian and Alaska
Native Youth
According to the surgeon general, the suicide rate among American
Indian and Alaska Native youth is three times higher than the national
average. Suicides have become the second-leading cause of death among
these youth, after accidents. Federal lawmakers are examining legislation
to provide resources for suicide prevention among American Indian and
Alaska Native youth. (NY Times, 6/9/07, by Nieves)
Summer Tricks for Battling Obesity
An April study in the American Journal of Public Health found that the biggest increases in body mass index happens over the summer, not during the school year. This New York Times article offers parents and educators advice about how to encourage kids to eat healthful, nutritious meals. (NY Times, 6/12/07, by Brody)
Kellogg Imposes Voluntary Nutrition Guidelines, Phases out Ads to Kids
The Kellogg Company has announced that it will phase out advertising of its products to children under 12 -- unless the foods meet guidelines for being low in fat, calories, sugar and sodium. The company also said it will discontinue advertising with licensed characters and branded toys on foods that do not meet the guidelines. (NY Times, 6/14/07, by Martin)
The Psychology of Dads
Although millions of fathers will enjoy Fathers' Day with their
children this weekend, many won't see their kids at all, and anthropologists
are trying to figure out why some dads feel less compelled to spend time
with their kids. Fathers in the U.S. spend less than an hour of quality
time with their kids each day, on average, according to a study by the
Children's Defense Fund. (Time Magazine, 6/7/07, by Hardy and Batten)
Bullies May Just Need More Sleep
Schoolyard bullies are twice as likely as other kids to have sleep problems, according to a survey conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan . The most common sleep-related problem among these children is sleep-disordered breathing, which can include snoring and other respiratory troubles. Experts say children with even minor cases of this disorder tend to have behavioral problems in school. ( USA Today, 6/12/07, by Toppo)
More Boys Getting Breast Reduction Surgery
Plastic surgeons are seeing a growing number of overweight teenage boys having breast-reduction surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that 70 percent of males who had the surgery in 2006 were between 13 and 19 years old. Experts say the large percentage is due to the growing rate of childhood obesity – and that boys are becoming more concerned with their body image. (NY Times, 6/14/07, by Kuczynski)
More Girls Drinking and Driving
Research shows that the number of girls engaging in risky behaviors, such as drinking, driving drunk, and not wearing a seat belt, increased from 1995 to 2004. Although boys still account for more drunk driving fatalities, experts say girls should receive the same prevention information and education as boys. (LA Times, 5/28/07)
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