A roundup of recent newspaper stories about children's health...
Monday, Nov. 5, 2007:
Growing Number of Food Allergies in Kids
Peanut allergies in kids ages 0-5 doubled between 1997 and 2002, according to this Newsweek cover story, and more kids in the U.S. have multiple food allergies -- and tend to outgrow certain allergies later in life – than in the past. (Newsweek, 10/28/07 , by Kalb)
Pediatricians Advise Testing Children Early for Autism
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released two new reports recommending that children be screened for autism twice before the age of 2. One in 150 U.S. children has been diagnosed with autism, and its severity can be lessened by early behavioral therapy, some experts say. (SJ Mercury, 10/29/07 , by Tanner)
Federal Study: States Will Run Out of Money for Children's Health Insurance Soon
A recent study shows that 21 states will run out of money for their children's health insurance programs in the next year, with nine running out of funds in March, if no changes are made in Congress. While California was not on this list of states expected to run out of money, 64,000 kids a month may be dropped from the program in order to save money. (NY Times, 10/31/07 , by Pear)
Over Praising Kids Can Lead to Opposite Effects
In Tara Parker-Pope's New York Times health blog, she writes about the effects of “over praising” on the self-esteem of children. Too much praise can lead to children being “reward focused” or devastated when they encounter failure. Using specific praise to compliment children is a better alternative than praising false accomplishments. (NY Times, 10/29/07 , by Parker-Pope)
Census Report: Many Neighborhoods Not Good for Kids
In a wide-ranging report on the well being of children, the Census Bureau says that half of the children in the United States live in areas where their parents fear that neighbors may be a bad influence, and over one-third of black and Hispanic children are kept indoors because of dangers in the neighborhood. (NY Times, 11/1/07 , by Roberts)
Is Autism Overshadowing Other Diseases?
Noting the large increases in public attention, research and philanthropy directed to autism and related disorders, some question whether other equally important conditions will be neglected. (ABC News online, 11/1/07 , by James)
Parents Becoming More Involved in Rearing Their Children
According to a Census Bureau report based on 2004 data, parents are reading more to their children, encouraging their participation in more extracurricular educational activities and monitoring their TV watching more closely than parents of a decade ago.(AP/ The Ledger, 11/1/07 , by Olemacher)
Children's Health Bill Moves Ahead
Anticipating a presidential veto, the Senate nevertheless cut short compromise discussions and passed a bill to provide health coverage to 10 million children, the same legislation that passed in the House last week. (NY Times, 11/1/07 , by Pear)
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