A roundup of recent newspaper stories about children's health...
Monday, Oct. 1, 2007:
House Passes SCHIP Legislation.
Despite a looming veto threat from President Bus h, the House has passed legislation that would expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The bill, which did not pass with enough votes to override a presidential veto, asks for an additional $35 billion in funding over the next five years, paid for by tobacco taxes. The current SCHIP expires Sept. 30, and lawmakers are preparing back-up legislation to temporarily extend the program. ( USA Today, 9/25/07 , by Wolf)
Cavity Rates Increase Among Young Children.
The rate of cavities among toddlers and young children has increased in recent years, a trend that dentists say results from more bottled water use and sugary snacks. From 1999 to 2004, 28 percent of children ages 2 to 5 had a cavity, according to a survey from the National Center on Health Statistics, up 4 percent from a previous survey that covered 1988 to 1994. Experts say bottled water doesn't have as much fluoride as tap water, and families often don't have the time to prepare healthful foods for children. The survey also found an increase in cavities among poor children. ( Chicago Tribune, 9/25/07 , by Fergus)
Palo Alto Police Program Helps Tackle Kids' Behavior Issues.
This Palo Alto Weekly article profiles a program led by Palo Alto police that helps parents and educators “regain influence” over children with behavior problems. The program's facilitators offer suggestions for curbing behavior that can become dangerous and self-destructive. (PA Weekly, 9/26/07 , by Pennell)
Schools Cut Playgrounds Due to Budget Crunch.
Faced with budget shortfalls, many schools nationwide have opted not to build playgrounds, or have cancelled recess altogether. Many school systems rely on Parent-Teacher Associations to raise money to fund playgrounds, and others turn to nonprofit organizations. Researchers say playtime at school is necessary for children's physical fitness, and can help improve academic outcomes. (Sunday Paper ( Atlanta ), 8/5/07 , by Loupe)
Suggested: Environmental Policies to Combat Childhood Obesity.
A combination of factors, including sugary sodas, junk food television ads, and fast-food convenience, is to blame for the growing rate of childhood obesity in the United States , according to a collection of studies published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Policy changes to improve the environmental factors that contribute to obesity at a community and school level are necessary to promote healthful choices among children and their families, researchers say. (Reuters, 9/25/07 , by Steenhuysen)
Study: Mercury Preservative in Vaccines Is Harmless. There is no evidence that thimerosal, a mercury-laden vaccine preservative, is associated with any neurological or psychological problems in children, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control. Many parents argue that the preservative, which was phased out of childhood vaccines by 2002, is to blame for autism, and some experts are skeptical that these findings will put that debate to rest. This study does not specifically address autism, but the CDC is conducting another study on that to be published next year. (NY Times, 9/27/07 , by Harris)
Teens' Brains Appeal to Impulsive Activity.
Although they've been warned against it, teens sometimes continue to engage in risky behaviors because the part of their brain that regulates emotions and impulses is still developing, researchers say. Although teens may seem as intellectually developed as adults, they are more susceptible to impulsive behaviors. ( USA Today, 9/27/07 , by Jayson)
Schools Comply with Law, Sell More Healthful Junk Foods.
Many school campuses have found a loophole in the new state law requiring more healthful meals and snacks in schools. Although schools are complying with the law in terms of the fat and sugar content of foods, much of what is sold on campus is not healthful food, just “better for you” junk food, officials say. (SF Chronicle, 9/28/07 , by Finz)
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