A roundup of recent newspaper stories about children's health...
Monday, Oct. 22, 2007:
Editorial: New Foster Care Laws Represent Good Steps
This San Francisco Chronicle editorial applauds Gov. Schwarzenegger's recent signing of two bills related to foster care. The legislation will help disabled foster youth apply for federal assistance before aging out of the program, and publicly open case files for children who died in foster care. (SF Chronicle, 10/15/07 )
Study: Obese Kids React Slower to Asthma Medication
Overweight children who visit the emergency room for asthma are more likely to be admitted to the hospital than their slimmer peers, according to a study conducted by researchers at Connecticut Children's Hospital. Researchers said the findings suggest that obese children react more slowly to asthma treatment. (Reuters, 10/12/07 , by Brown)
Teen Who Plotted Attack Endured Bullying
A Pennsylvania teenager accused of plotting an attack at his school had been bullied by classmates in the past, authorities say, and the bullying may have been a motive for the plan. The teen's relatives said bullying on campus made him angry and depressed. (SF Chronicle, 10/13/07 , by Dale)
Website Aims to Help Parents Identify Autistic Behaviors
A new website sponsored by nonprofits Autism Speaks and First Signs offers a video library of behaviors associated with autism. The site's founders say they hope the video clips will spur early diagnosis and treatment of the disorder, but some experts say the site will lead parents to question behaviors that can be considered normal. (AP, 10/15/07 , by Tanner)
House Unable to Overturn SCHIP Veto
The House of Representatives Thursday was unable to get enough votes to overturn President Bush's veto of legislation for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Democrats in the House said they will work to develop a revision of the bill to send back to the president. (NY Times, 10/18/07 , by Pear and Stolberg )
SCHIP Debate Is Really About Poverty Level, Some Say
The ongoing debate about expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) has led many Americans to question whether the federal poverty level is realistic. Some experts say the federal poverty level of $20,650 for a family of four does not accurately reflect cost of living and spending increases. SCHIP was designed to provide coverage for families who earn too much for other government programs but not enough to afford private coverage. With cost of living increases, more and more families are falling into that gap, experts say. (MarketWatch, 10/18/07 , by Mantell)
Kids Who Eat with Families Are Healthier, Studies Say
Family meals can improve a child's eating habits and are equally beneficial when the television is on or off, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota . Other research has shown that kids who eat with their parents regularly eat more vegetables and nutrients and are less likely to smoke and use drugs or alcohol. (NY Times, 10/16/07 , by Parker-Pope)
Medicines Unsafe for Kids Up to 6, Safety Officials Warn
A recommended ban on over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for infants should be extended to include all children under age 6, according to safety officials from the Food and Drug Adm inistration, who are c oncerned that combining these medications can lead to an accidental overdose. (NY Times, 10/19/07 , by Harris)
Pregnancy Outbreak Leads to Birth Control for Preteens
After 17 student pregnancies in the last four years at middle schools in Portland, Maine, one school is now offering birth control pills to students as young as 11. The pills are being distributed at a school health center after a student has received a physical exam by a physician or nurse practitioner. Students need a parent's permission to access the health center, but treatment there is confidential. (AP, 10/18/07 )
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