A roundup of recent newspaper stories about children's health...
Monday, Sept. 11:
Study:
Drug Use Up for Adults, Down for Teens
A new national study released this week suggests that teens might want
to lecture their parents on the dangers of drug use. The National Survey
on Drug Use and Health found an increase in illicit drug use among baby
boomers for the third year in a row. Drug use among teenagers ages 12-17,
on the other hand, dropped from 11.6 percent to 9.9 percent in 2005, the
survey found. (AP, 9/7/06)
Cartoons
Go Vegetarian
Several child entertainment companies, including Nickelodeon and Disney,
have struck deals with produce growers to feature cartoon characters on
packages of fruits and vegetables. Marketing experts and parents believe
the new approach may encourage children to eat more healthful foods. (AP,
9/5/06)
Student
Stress Starts Early
This Newsweek article notes that elementary schools are becoming increasingly
more competitive as kindergarteners and first-graders face a heavy workload
and regular testing, followed by after-school tutoring and extra assignments.
While some children succeed academically in this accelerated environment,
others struggle, leaving parents challenged with finding alternatives.
(MSNBC.com, 9/11/06, by Tyre)
Study:
Older Dads May Increase Risk of Autism
Children born to older fathers have a higher risk of developing autism
than children whose fathers are in their teens or twenties, according
to a study conducted by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine
in New York. The study found that children born to fathers in their thirties
are one-and-a-half times more likely to develop the disorder, and children
born to fathers in their forties are five times more likely to develop
autism than those with younger fathers. (Washington Post, 9/5/06, by Vedantam)
Study:
Heavy Toddlers Turn into Heavy Preteens
Overweight toddlers are five times more likely to become overweight preteens
than young children who are slim, according to a study funded by the National
Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The study of more than
1,000 children born in 1991 found that 60 percent of children who were
considered overweight in preschool were still overweight at age 12. (AP,
9/5/06, by Tanner)
Researchers:
Kids Might Be Learning from TV After All
Young children who watch television shows that are interactive or socially
engaging may learn something from the program, according to researchers
at Vanderbilt University. While real-life interaction is best, researchers
say babies and toddlers also can learn by perceived interaction through
television or video. (NY Times, 9/5/06, by Guernsey)
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