A roundup of recent newspaper stories about children's health...
Monday, Sept. 24, 2007:
Lawmakers Aim for SCHIP Compromise.
Congress is working on a compromise bill for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), although some Republicans say the bill will not survive a veto from President Bush. The new legislation would provide $60 billion for the program over the next five years -- $30 billion more than the Bush administration has proposed -- funded by an increase in tobacco taxes. Congress is hoping to have a veto-proof compromise approved before the current SCHIP expires Sept. 30. (NY Times, 9/17/07 , by Pear)
Children's Hospital Reputation Climbs.
This New York Times profile of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center highlights how the hospital has gained national recognition. By specializing in rare or complex conditions, as well as a dedication to tracking patient outcomes and data collection, the hospital has grown to attract patients who might otherwise have sought treatment at other well-known children's hospitals. (NY Times, 9/15/07 , by Abelson)
Asthma Rates Highest Among Ethnic/Racial Minority Kids.
A disproportionate number of minority children have asthma, mainly due to socioeconomic status and lack of access to care, experts say. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the prevalence of asthma among minority children is 40 percent higher than in non-minority children, and minority kids are hospitalized for asthma four times as often. The article notes the success of some region-based asthma intervention programs targeted toward minority children. (NY Times, 9/17/07 , by Baruchin)
Opinion: Adults Take More Risks Than Teens.
Although many researchers say that teens' brain development during puberty can lead to risky behavior, it is actually middle-age adults who engage in the most dangerous activities, according to this New York Times op-ed by Mike Males, a researcher at the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice. Males points to several statistics, including violent deaths and drug abuse, to illustrate troubling behavior among adults. (NY Times, 9/17/07 , by Males)
Calorie Intake in Schools Falls with Lack of Soda.
In a report released today, the American Beverage Association says calories in beverages sold at schools have decreased 41 percent since schools began voluntarily limiting sale of sugary beverages and sodas on campus. In May 2006, many schools nationwide agreed to stop selling non-diet sodas to students, and many also stopped selling sugary juices. (AP, 9/17/07 , by Freking)
Pro-Eating Disorder Sites Affect All Women, Study Shows.
Young women who view pro-eating disorder websites develop low self-esteem regardless of their weight or eating habits, according to a University of Missouri study. Researchers studied reactions to the websites from women who were underweight, normal weight, and overweight. The women said they were more self-conscious about weight after viewing the sites, and said they had worse moods and felt they had less ability to cope with their appearance. (Reuters, 9/14/07 , by Harding)
New Class This Fall: Internet Safety.
Virginia is the first state in the country to require public schools to incorporate Internet safety into the curriculum. Beginning this year, students will learn about staying safe online, including the risk of sexual predators and identity theft. Some other states say education isn't enough and are calling for strict government regulations on social networking websites. (NPR, 9/17/07 , by Hochberg)
Film Shows Impact of Cyber Bullying.
In making a film about cyber bullying for her master's thesis, Stanford graduate student Debbie Heimowitz found that this particular type of bullying is prevalent because it is anonymous and easy, and that it is most common among middle school girls. Through the film, Heimowitz said she hopes to show the social ramifications of cyber bullying, and help girls understand its impact on the victim. (SF Chronicle, 9/16/07 , by Heimowitz)
Preteen Networking Sites Hit Parents' Pocketbooks.
This blog on Techcrunch.com notes the popularity of Zwinky, a social networking site that caters to preteens. The site is one of many that have started making money by creating a virtual economy and allowing users – or their parents – to purchase the site's currency. (Techcrunch, 9/17/07 , by Gonzalez)
Governors Ask Bush to Roll Back SCHIP Restrictions.
Twenty-eight governors nationwide, including Gov. Schwarzenegger, have lobbied the Bush administration to reconsider its recent restrictions on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The new guidelines do not allow an expansion of coverage until states show that 95 percent of children with household incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level have enrolled in the program. (AP, 9/17/07 )
Pneumonia Vaccine Causes Resistant Bacteria.
A vaccine that prevents pneumonia and other serious illnesses among children has a side effect of creating a resistant strain of bacteria, doctors say. The strep bacteria results in ear infections that cannot be treated by any current drugs approved for that condition. Despite the side effect, doctors said parents should continue to vaccinate their children because the vaccine prevents more serious conditions. (AP, 9/17/07 , by Marchione)
New Monitors May Ease Glucose Checks for Diabetes Patients.
Rather than finger-pricks to track blood sugar levels, many diabetic adults and children have opted for under-the-skin continuous glucose monitors. The sensors report glucose levels every five minutes, and sound an alarm when levels become dangerous. Doctors say they hope the sensors can help patients who require insulin injections better manage their condition. AP, 9/17/07 )
Editorial: Sodas Made a Difference, Now Let's Do More.
This San Jose Mercury News editorial applauds the American Beverage Association's recent finding that there has been a 41 percent decrease in the amount of calories consumed through beverages in schools nationwide. The decrease comes about since many schools began banning the sale of sodas on campus in 2004. The editorial encourages local schools to do even more to provide healthful options to students. (SJ Mercury, 9/19/07 )
Meth is Easy to Get and Has Benefits, Teens Say.
About a quarter of American teens say methamphetamine is easy to obtain and provides benefits such as weight loss and euphoria, according to a recent survey by anti-drug nonprofit The Meth Project. The survey also found that one in three teens said they think there is no risk or only slight risk to using meth once or twice. (AP, 9/18/07 )
Some Pediatricians Asking Parents to Pay Up Front for Vaccines.
Faced with decreasing insurance reimbursements for important vaccines, some pediatricians are restricting or refusing to administer some vaccinations children need unless parents pay up front. Doctors say the growing number of recommended vaccines from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics, while medically important, have been financially burdensome. Parents, faced with a decision between no vaccine or an expensive one, often opt to pay more if they can afford it. (SF Chronicle, 9/21/07 , by Colliver)
Disabled Girls Find New Passion in Cheerleading.
This Washington Post article highlights a new recreation trend for girls with developmental disabilities – cheerleading. At cheerleading gyms across the country, squads of girls with disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome have sprung up in 34 states. Experts say cheerleading gives these children an opportunity to engage in out-of-school sports and interact with other children who have similar disabilities. ( Washington Post, 9/20/07 , by St. George)
Study: Medication Improves Academic Outcomes for ADHD Kids. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are more likely to have lower reading scores and be absent from or drop out of school, but long-term drug therapy can lead to better academic outcomes. Children on drug therapy for ADHD had long-term academic improvements and were less likely to be held back a grade than children with ADHD who did not use medication. (Health Day, 9/21/07 , by Reinberg)
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