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From Lab To Life: 2007 Health Studies
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2007 was a fantastic year for health studies. The emphasis seemed to be on getting health and no topic was left unexplored. That's the sign of a well thought out study year.
The presense of media issues among the list is particularly relevant because it highlights that media issues are as much a health concern as obesity and the flu. That is an important point to remember while rasing our kids, especially with so much media in their lives.
For 2008 studies and much more, click here.
Archives
January 2007
- Magazine diet advice
- Kids and self-reporting asthma symptoms
- Breast-feeding and eczema
- Overweight kids and doctor's advice
- SunSafe and Middleschoolers
- Binge Drinking and Risky High School Behaviors
- Tubes, Ear Infections, and Developmental Outcome (NEJM)
February 2007
- Teens Experiences After Sex
- Plagiocephaly Risk Factors
- Online Exposure to Pornography
- Annual Summary of Vital Statistics
- Cold Medicine and Kids: a deadly combo
- HPV Rates in US Women
March 2007
- Ibuprofen Vs. Tylenol Vs. Codeine for pain
- Work-related Risks For Teens
- Dental Care in the US
- Weight Status of Girls and Puberty
- Predictors of Pain and Fever With Ear Infections
- Parenting and Behavior
- Growing A Super Athlete
- Physical Activity and Obesity
- Effects Of Daycare On Kids
- TV Advertising And Kids
- Gastric Bypass Surgery And Teens
April 2007
- Parental Depression and Health Care for Kids
- Ear Infection Rate and Pneumococcal Vaccination
- Risk of Subsequent Head Injuries
- Physical Activity and Fat Mass
May 2007
- Digital Childhood
- Deliquent Youth and Risky Behaviors
- Smoking Exposure in Movies
- Fast Food and Portion Size
June 2007
- dangers of shoe skates
- firearm storage
- infant swimming and lung infections
- violence in movies
- braces vs. casting for ankle fractures
July 2007
- Handwashing and diarrheal outbreaks at daycare
- Bullying and later medication use
- Nonautomobile motorized vehicle injuries in kids
August 2007
- Family History and Stress Fractures in Female Athletes
- Restless Leg Syndrome in Kids and Teens
September 2007
- Parents beliefs and asthma medication use in kids
- Presense of families in pediatrics trauma
- Perceived milk intolerance and bone mineral content
- Breast feeding, smoking and infant sleep
- Television watching and later attentional issues
- Can we turn a tonic into a soda?
October 2007
- Kids TV Exposure
- Heart Attacks in Teens
- Toddler Eating
- Childhood Obesity Issues: asthma and weight maintenance
- MRSA (the "superbug")
- Outpatient Care For Kids: not so great
November 2007
- sleep, tweens and the risk of obesity
- TV watching and toddlers
- TV, video games and school performance
- Autism Screening
December 2007
- Childhood obesity
- Toddler Speech
- Infant Food Likes
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December 2007
Adolescent Overweight and Future Coronary Heart Disease (NEJM)
Study Conclusion:
"Although projections 25 or more years into the future are subject to innumerable uncertainties, extrapolation from current data suggests that adolescent overweight will increase rates of CHD among future young and middle-aged adults, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality."
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
CHD = heart attacks. So, plain and simple, the longer are kids are overweight, the more their hearts are doomed as adults. This is one study overweight teens need to know about - will they be upset? Yes. Worried? Yes. But, with good reason and sometimes that can be motivating to turn their health habits around.
Toddler Language delay screening and later school performance
Study
Conclusion:
"Screening toddlers for language delays reduces the number of children who require special education and leads to improved language performance at age 8. Nationwide implementation of the screening might be recommended."
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
I've always felt that the time to intevene for language problems was during the toddler years and that waiting until elementary school was too late. The secondary implication of this study is that less resources will be needed for speech services for these kids in elementary school if problems are addressed much before then. With so many schools strained for resources, this could be a win-win on many levels, including the bottom line of school budgets.
Early Determination of Fruit and Vegetable Acceptance
Study Conclusion:
"Breastfeeding confers an advantage in initial acceptance of a food, but only if mothers eat the food regularly. Once weaned, infants who receive repeated dietary exposure to a food eat more of it and may learn to like its flavor. However, because infants innately display facial expressions of distaste in response to certain flavors, caregivers may hesitate to continue offering these foods. Mothers should be encouraged to provide their infants with repeated opportunities to taste fruits and vegetables and should focus not only on their infants' facial expressions but also on their willingness to continue feeding.
"
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
The bottom line here is parental persistance with foods and flexibility in continually offerring foods that may take some getting used to.
Food For Thought: Commentaries from New England Journal of Medicine
Childhood Obesity - The Shape Of Things To Come
By Dr. David Ludwig, discusses the many issues of childhood obesity, parental roles and why insurance companies need to pay for obesity programs based out of children's hospitals that could benefit so many children.
Over the Counter but no longer under the Radar - Pediatrics Cough and Cold Medications
A nice review of the story behind kids' cough and cold products leading to the massive recall the end of this year.
<<Back to Top>> |
November 2007
Invasive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in the United States (JAMA)
Study Conclusion:
Invasive MRSA infection affects certain populations disproportionately. It is a major public health problem primarily related to health care but no longer confined to intensive care units, acute care hospitals, or any health care institution.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This study received a lot of air time this year and highlights an important public health problem that we do have to be aware of. At teh same time, we have to be realistic that the majority of MRSA is still confined to hospitals, and still very treatable.
Study Conclusion:
Viewing of violent programming by preschool boys is associated with subsequent aggressive behavior. Modifying the content that is viewed by young children may be warranted.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
More proof that content is important in choosing preschool TV programs because negative content has negative impact on small kids.
Study Conclusion:
The association between early television viewing and subsequent attentional problems is specific to noneducational viewing and to viewing before age 3.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
Another "content is important" study. The bottom line is that good shows with educational content are good and other shows are bad in terms of negative impact on kids and behavior.
Study Conclusion:
The results suggest that television and computer game exposure affect children's sleep and deteriorate verbal cognitive performance, which supports the hypothesis of the negative influence of media consumption on children's sleep, learning, and memory.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This study builds in a way on the two prior studies and demonstrates the impact on older kids with media stimuli, particularly TV and video games. It is difficult to keep turning a blind eye with the amount of studies we have showing that real harm is occuring to our kids when they are exposed to too much technology.
Study Conclusion:
One preventive approach to overweight may be to ensure adequate sleep in childhood.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This study is interesting especially since it is in the same journal as the study above that too much video games interfere with sleep. Just goes to show that kids need sleep and without sleep they have many problems in body and mind.
Identifying and Evaluating Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics helps parents and pediatrics better identify kids who have symtpoms that deserve a closer look. What parents have to keep in mind is that kids who "screen in" by office-based tools may not have Autism. The goal of this approach is to diagnose the kids that do have true Autism as early as possible so some kids may end up being evaluated for symtpoms that have hints of Autism but in the end are something else. The AAP has a parent symptom checklist that concerned parents may find useful.
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October 2007
Children's Television Exposure and Behavioral and Social Outcomes at 5.5 Years: Does Timing of Exposure Matter?
Study Conclusion:
Sustained exposure is a risk factor for behavioral problems, whereas early exposure that is subsequently reduced presents no additional risk. For social skills, concurrent exposure was more important than sustained or early exposure. Considering the timing of media exposure is vital for understanding the consequences of early experiences and informing prevention strategies.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This study seems to show a dose-response to TV watching and behavior issue in kids less than 6 years of age and suggests that for kids who do watch a lot of TV when very young, the situation can be turned around by turning off the tube. In many ways, we didn't need a study to remind us how impressionable young kids are to TV and images. The question we have to ask ourselves is why are so many very young kids watching TV instead of playing?
Myocardial Infarction in Healthy Adolescents
Study Conclusion:
Myocardial infarction can occur in adolescents with normal coronary arterial anatomy. Adolescents who present for emergency care with typical chest pain need electrocardiographic and cardiac enzyme workups. Those with results that are suggestive of acute infarction require additional workup. Coronary vasodilation therapy seems helpful, but given the lack of coronary thrombosis in these patients, thrombolytic therapy seems unwarranted. Long-term follow-up is necessary, and adjustments in therapy may be required with time.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
What we all have to keep in perspective is true heart disease and heart attacks in teens is rare. BUT, any teen that has classic heart attack symptoms should be taken seriously because true heart attacks do, albeit rarely, occur. The key point to focus on is "typical chest pain" - the crushing chest pain we think of in adults. So, we're not talking about a teen calming walking to his or her parents and saying "my chest hurts". This would be an obvious 911 event and those are the events that warrant ER visits and further workup - for all ages.
How Do Toddler Eating Problems Relate to Their Eating Behavior, Food Preferences, and Growth?
Study Conclusion:
Eating problems are common in toddlers and in the majority are associated with normal growth, although weight faltering is more common in such children. Excessive milk-drinking may be a cause of low appetite at meal times.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This is good news. All parents worry their toddlers are not eating right and it turns out it is mostly perception with a good dose of toddlerism tossed in. Toddlers are a difficult bunch and their eating is certainly part of that package. So, if a toddler's growth is fine on paper, a parent need not worry.
Healthy Buddies: A Novel, Peer-Led Health Promotion Program for the Prevention of Obesity and Eating Disorders in Children in Elementary School
Study Conclusion:
Our student-led curriculum improved knowledge not only in older schoolchildren but also in their younger buddies. It also decreased weight velocity in the older students. Student-led teaching may be an efficient, easy-to-implement way of promoting a healthy lifestyle from kindergarten to 7th grade.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This didn't surprise me too much. Kids are easily swayed by their peers and look for strong peer connections. Using that to help kids with issues can be very powerful and seems to be the case for eating issues as well, obesity and eating disorders. To me, this is like having a sponsor for AA as an adult - someone to help the child through those tough times.
Childhood Overweight Increases Hospital Admission Rates for Asthma
Study Conclusion:
Overweight children who present to the emergency department with acute asthma exacerbations are significantly more likely to be admitted to the hospital than nonoverweight children. This identifies an important area in which childhood overweight has a significant impact on the health of children with asthma.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
Obesity directly impacts how a child is able to breath as well as their overall exercise stamina and lung capacity. So, kids with asthma and obesity have a tough time. Another wake up call for why we have to help these overweight kids and figure out how to prevent future overweight kids.
Efficacy of Maintenance Treatment Approaches for Childhood Overweight (JAMA)
Study Conclusion:
The addition of maintenance-targeted treatment improves short-term efficacy of weight loss treatment for children relative to no maintenance treatment. However, the waning of effects over follow-up, although moderated by child initial social problems, suggests the need for the bolstering of future maintenance treatments to sustain effects.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
It seems that as we learn more about childhood obesity, kids are very similar to adults in how they keep weight off. What is encouraging, however, is that kids can get the weight off perhaps more easily than adults but without long-term holding power those kids will just yo-yo for their entire lives. Clearly we need better programs and better ways to reach kids and help them learn healthier habits that work. Involving the family is likely the key in my mind.
Invasive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in the United States (JAMA)
Study Conclusion:
Invasive MRSA infection affects certain populations disproportionately. It is a major public health problem primarily related to health care but no longer confined to intensive care units, acute care hospitals, or any health care institution.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This has been coming for a long while with the overuse of antibiotics. And, not using antibiotics as much is one of our best ways to curtail the further spread of MRSA and its ability to continue to change. One suggestion I heard recently that I do like is investigating the development of a vaccine. Today's MRSA may very well be our version of past generation's Polio or Measles.
The Quality of Ambulatory Care Delivered to Children in the United States (NEJM)
Study Conclusion:
Deficits in the quality of care provided to children appear to be similar in magnitude to those previously reported for adults. Strategies to reduce these apparent deficits are needed.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This just saddens me to my core. As a society and as pediatricians, we have to provide a better healthcare system for our kids. Certainly having insurance is part of the package but for those with insurance, clearly we are failing them and not providing the most optimal care possible with exaples given such as missed immunizations and suboptimal education on common childhood conditions such as asthma. In my mind, we need a new system but until then we have to do better with the one we have and figure out as doctors how to reach our patients more effectively - and efficiently.
<<Back to Top>> |
September 2007
Parents beliefs and asthma medication use in kids
Study Conclusion:
These findings confirm a relationship between medication beliefs and adherence among parents of children with asthma. A better understanding of parents' medication beliefs and their impact on adherence may help clinicians counsel effectively to promote adherence.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This study raises an interesting concept - that asthma medication use in kids may have more to do with a parent's belief in medications in general than in their understanding about asthma. Armed with this study, a clinician can now use a different path when explaining asthma meds to some parents because clearly some are on the path less followed.
Presense of families in pediatrics trauma
Study Conclusion:
This prospective study suggests that there is an overall low prevalence of negative outcomes associated with family presence during pediatric trauma team evaluation after implementation of a structured family presence program. Excluding family members as a routine because of provider concerns about negative impact on clinical care does not seem to be indicated.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This is an important study because for many years the concern has been that having family in the room during pediatric traumas would worsen the clinical outcome. I've always felt it was in the best interest of the child to have family present whenever possible and it is reassuring to me that studies are confirming that the clinical care is not impacted by this.
Perceived milk intolerance and bone mineral content
Study Conclusion:
These results suggest that, starting as early as 10 years of age, self-imposed restriction of dairy foods because of perceived milk intolerance is associated with lower spinal bone mineral content values. The long-term influence of these behaviors may contribute to later risk for osteoporosis.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
What does this really mean? Simple. Few people are milk intolerant and by thinking they are, more people than not now have bone density issues. So, drink milk!!
Breast feeding, smoking and infant sleep
Study Conclusion:
An acute episode of smoking by lactating mothers altered infants' sleep/wake patterning. Perhaps concerns that their milk would taste like cigarettes and their infants' sleep patterning would be disrupted would motivate lactating mothers to abstain from smoking and to breastfeed longer.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This boils down to the simple fact that smoking is bad and no smoke, active or passive should be around babies. There really is no other way to say it.
Television watching and later attentional issues
Study Conclusion:
Childhood television viewing was associated with attention problems in adolescence, independent of early attention problems and other confounders. These results support the hypothesis that childhood television viewing may contribute to the development of attention problems and suggest that the effects may be long-lasting.
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This is an interesting study because it does seem to imply that just TV watching when young is linked to later attentional issues. However, the study sheds no light on the content of shows watched so we still don't have a complete picture yet of all the variables of TV watching on our kids and the harm or good they cause.
Can we turn a tonic into a soda?
Dr. Gwenn's 2 Cents:
This commentary builds on what I just mentioned about the TV study above. Not all TV is bad and we need to learn more. This commentary is fascinating because it compares TV to other societal environmental concerns of the past - including apple skins! As the author of this commentary points out, we may be barking up the wrong tree. We need to learn more and figure out the link between content and later issues before we globally say that TV watching creates harm in any way, including attentional issues. That said, I do feel it is wise to limit screen time daily and not over do it. And, to keep undesirable imagery to a bare minimum. That is just good common sense!
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August 2007
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
Among highly active female adolescents, only family history was independently associated with stress fracture. The magnitude of this association suggests that further investigations of inheritable skeletal factors are warranted in this population, along with evaluation of bone mineral density in girls with stress fracture. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Given the high participation of girls in youth sports, this is an important study. We hadn't typically asked about stress fractures in Mom or Grandma but this study tells us that question is important and may help us care for our young athleted better. |
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
These population-based data suggest that restless legs syndrome is prevalent and troublesome in children and adolescents, occurring more commonly than epilepsy or diabetes. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Restless leg is a real phenomenon that causes real sleep issues in kids. What surprised me was to learn just how common it is in childhood |
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July 2007
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
Diapering, hand-washing, and food-preparation equipment that is specifically designed to reduce the spread of infectious agents significantly reduced diarrheal illness among the children and absence as a result of illness among staff in out-of-home child care centers. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
This is an interesting study because it not only helps demonstrate that hand washing and diapering are linked at daycare centers to the spread of diarrhea illnesses, which we've known, but there may be technologies available to help minimize that risk. My concern is that implementing new equipment and technologies is always pricey and takes time. So, while that is being looked at, daycare centers need to be fastidious about good hand washing while preparing food and changing diapers. |
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
We found victimization from bullying to be associated with medicine use, even when we controlled for the higher prevalence of symptoms among bullied victims. The medications that adolescents use can have adverse effects, in addition to the potentially health-damaging effects of bullying. Policy makers, health care professionals, and school staff should be aware that the adolescent victims of bullying are prone to excess use of medicine, and preventive actions should be taken to decrease the level of bullying as well as the use of medicine among adolescents. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
This study caught my eye in that we don't often discuss the long term effects of bullying on our kids. Kids get bullyed and this study clearly demonstrates that as teens kids who had been bullied when younger are at risk for later abuse of medications. What this says to me is we have to be swift to stop bullying when it occurs, swift to boost the self esteem of the child who was bullyed when it occurs, and be sure that child's self-esteem remains intact after. This study could be an indicator that once bullyed, the effects may be more lingering than we once thought. |
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
Although most public health and legislative attention to date has been focused on all-terrain vehicles, parents, children, and public officials should be educated about the injury risk that all types of nonautomobile motorized vehicles pose to children. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
In this study, they cited some amazing data:
"Nationally, an estimated 1203800 children were treated in hospital emergency departments for nonautomobile motorized vehicle–related injuries between 1990 and 2003." While ATV were represented in this mix, they were not the majority. Parents have to remember that any thing with a motor and a child is dangerous.
My bias is this. Unless a child is old enough for a driver's license, a child should not be on something with a motor without a licensed driver. It really is that simple. |
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May 2007
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
This study is the first to provide comprehensive information regarding the extent of media use among young children in the United States. These children are growing up in a media-saturated environment with almost universal access to television, and a striking number have a television in their bedroom. Media and technology are here to stay and are virtually guaranteed to play an ever-increasing role in daily life, even among the very young. Additional research on their developmental impact is crucial to public health. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
It is true that our kids are exposed to much more media than any other generation to date. And, there is clearly such as thing as "too much". The difficulty will be to maintain a healthy overall lifestyle as our kids lives become more entrenched with media. Helping our kids identify "off" switches so they can have technology free times and teaching them how to exist with out technology will become as important as helping them learn to use a mouse or go a google search. |
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
Because detained youth have a median stay of only 2 weeks, HIV/sexually transmitted infection risk behaviors in delinquent youth are a community public health problem, not just a problem for the juvenile justice system. Improving the coordination among systems that provide HIV/sexually transmitted infection interventions to youth— primary care, education, mental health, and juvenile justice—can reduce the prevalence of risk behaviors and substantially reduce the spread of HIV/sexually transmitted infection in young people. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Teens and young adults do not require much time to get themselves into trouble. To help mitigate further issues from poor judgement, we need better systems in place. This study tells me our systems currently solve some problems while creating new ones. |
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
Popular movies deliver billions of smoking images and character smoking depictions to young US adolescents. Removing smoking from youth-rated films would substantially reduce exposure from new box-office hits. Furthermore, the popular actors who frequently smoke in movies could have a major impact on adolescent movie smoking exposure by choosing not to portray characters who smoke. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Wow! This is an eye opening! I think we all know that there is heavy handed smoking imagery in movies but to see it laid out in a study with numbers and stats is mind boggling. Teens are more swayed by what they see their idols do than what their parents tell them to do. This is where we need a community effort to help our kids stay healthy as adults. |
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
Adolescents consumed  50% of energy needs regardless of manipulations in portion sizes and eating rate to attenuate gorging. This finding suggests that nutritional factors inherent to fast food, such as low levels of dietary fiber, high palatability, high energy density, high fat content, high glycemic load, and high content of sugar in liquid form promote excess energy intake. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Yet another reason to just not eat fast food! Seems like the only cure for the problems with fast food is an entire overhaul to the way that food is prepared...or us just not eating it. |
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June 2007
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
Violence permeated nearly 90% of the films in our study. Although only a small subset of this content contained violence that was associated with negative effects, only 1 film contained violence that was associated with protective or beneficial effects. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
For the past few months, numerous studies have demonstrated how overloaded movies are with negative imagery. Even if the data does not show a direct correlation with negative behavior from our kids, we have to be concerned on the long term impact. If nothing else, I'm concerned they will begin to normalize violence and accept what they see as part of life. We have to be very vigilent that are kids do not become dulled by what they see, and that what the see does not promote more violence. We need many more studies before I'm convinced that this one studies teaches us that violence in movies does not negatively impact our teens. |
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
The removable ankle brace is more effective than the cast with respect to recovery of physical function, is associated with a faster return to baseline activities, is superior with respect to patient preferences, and is also cost-effective. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
This is good news because many times kids will present to us pediatricians and be given their definitive treatment! While orthopedic followup may still be needed in many cases, it is reassuring that the removable braces we often place in the office is all kids end up needing in the end to heal properly. |
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
Few families reported safe firearm storage. Storage patterns are most influenced by firearm type(s) owned, family socialization with guns, and the age of the child. Primary care providers need to understand better not only whether firearms are in the home but also which types are present and whether parents were raised in homes with guns. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
In this study, only 1/3 of families reported safe fire-arm storage. Talk about an OMG moment!This tells me two things - first, if you have a firearm and have kids, make sure you store it properly. Second, make sure you ask if your kids' friends houses have firearms. You just can't trust that people are storing them safely. In fact, based on this study, you can assume 2/3 are not. |
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
Our study shows that the majority of children with injuries from heeling or street gliding are girls. We recommend close supervision of children using Heelys or Street Gliders during the steep learning curve and usage of protective gear at all times. These new types of injuries have a serious impact on child health and constitute a burden for the pediatric orthopedic service. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
I do not like these at all! I've said it many times before, things on wheels need helmets! Yet, kids with these wheeled things are wearing them like sneakers because that is how they are being marketed.Parents should consider these like they would roller bladers or roller skates. Plain and simple. |
| Study Title |
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| Study Conclusion |
Our data suggest that infant swimming practice in chlorinated indoor swimming pools is associated with airways changes that, along with other factors, seem to predispose children to the development of asthma and recurrent bronchitis. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
To me, this study helps show how vulnerable infant lungs are to chemicals. Clearly the more toxins in our infant's environments, the more at risk they are for asthma and pool chemicals are now on that list. |
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April 2007
| Study Title |
Parental Depression and Health Care For Kids |
| Study Conclusion |
Overall, having at least 1 depressed parent is associated with greater rate of emergency department and sick visits across all age groups, greater use of inpatient and specialty services in some age groups, and a lower rate of well-child-care visits among 13- to 17-year-olds. This pattern of increased use of expensive resources and decreased use of preventive services represents one of the hidden costs of adult depression. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
There have been a number of studies over the past year all pointing to the same conclusio: the mental health of a parent directly impacts the health of the kids. It also shows how depression can alter our impression of our kids - if we feel lousy, we have trouble seeing our kids as healthy. |
| Study Title |
Reduction in Ear Infections From Pneumococcal Vaccination |
| Study Conclusion |
After heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction, children were less likely to develop frequent otitis media or have pressure-equalizing tube insertions. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Another victory for vaccination! Not only has pneumovax reducted antibiotic use but a surgical procedure as well - can't knock those results! |
| Study Title |
Risk for Subsequent Head Injury |
| Study Conclusion |
These results provide evidence that having a head injury increases a child's risk of having a subsequent head injury. Although age, gender, and history of previous head injury confound the relationship, the effect remains substantial. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
This study has important implications for kids, particularly with sports. The risk of head injury increase after each head injury. In my mind, this is more evidence that return to play guidelines need to be very, very conservative for kids of all ages. |
| Study Title |
Physical Activity and Fat Mass In Kids (PloS) |
| Study Conclusion |
We demonstrated a strong graded inverse association between physical activity and obesity that was stronger in boys. Our data suggest that higher intensity physical activity may be more important than total activity. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
This is an interesting study but it demonstrates that 15minutes of intense physical activity a day was all that kids needed to make an impact on shedding pounds. That's a time frame even the busiest of afterschool schedules can accomodate! |
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March 2007
| Study Title |
Work-Related Hazards and Workplace Safety of US Adolescents Employed in the Retail and Service Sectors |
| Study Conclusion |
Teens are exposed to multiple hazards, use dangerous equipment despite federal prohibitions, and work long hours during the school week. They also lack consistent training and adult supervision on the job. It is important for adolescent medicine practitioners to become involved in prevention efforts through both anticipatory guidance and policy advocacy. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Many teens work. This study highlights the need for us as parents to be more involved in making sure they are safe while trying to make those few extra bucks.Talking to teens about work issues would also help them better identify when they are being asked to perform in an unsafe situation. |
| Study Title |
Preventive Dental Care for Children in the United States: A National Perspective |
| Study Conclusion |
Although the proportion of US children with a preventive dental visit now is higher than previously reported, children who are at highest risk for dental problems still are those who are least likely to receive preventive dental care. When states cover preventive dental care at income eligibility levels  200% of the federal poverty level, there is a greater likelihood that near-poor children will receive preventive dental care. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
I'm not too surpised by this. We do not do the best job helping the poor and helping those kids be as healthy as possible. As a country, we need to do more. We'll be a healthier society if we help take care of the kids who can't care for themselves. |
| Study Title |
Weight Status in Young Girls and the Onset of Puberty |
| Study Conclusion |
Higher BMI z score in girls as young as 36 months of age and higher rate of change of BMI between 36 months old and grade 1, a period well before the onset of puberty, are associated with earlier puberty, which suggests that increasing rates of obesity in the United States may result in an earlier average age of onset of puberty for US girls. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Another reason for getting our young kids in shape! We are seeing puberty at younger ages weight is an important factor for these kids. Overweight is overweight at any age - even toddlers. "Baby fat" doesn't exist. Just fat. |
| Study Title |
Predictors of Pain and/or Fever at 3 to 7 Days for Children With Acute Otitis Media Not Treated Initially With Antibiotics: A Meta-analysis of Individual Patient Data |
| Study Conclusion |
The risk of a prolonged course was 2 times higher for children <2 years of age with bilateral acute otitis media than for children  2 years of age with unilateral acute otitis media. Clinicians can use these features (ie, age of <2 years and bilateral acute otitis media) to inform parents more explicitly about the expected course of their child's otitis media and to explain which features should prompt parents to contact their clinician for reexamination of the child. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
The wait and see plan for ear infections is slowly but surely catching on. What's great about this study is it proves that we are on the right track with waiting for most kids. And, helps confirm that the young kids are the ones that more likely need an antibiotic. |
| Study Title |
Parenting and Conduct Disorders (BMJ) |
| Study Conclusion |
This community based study showed the effectiveness of an evidence based parenting intervention delivered with fidelity by regular Sure Start staff. It has influenced policy within Wales and provides lessons for England where, to date, Sure Start programmes have not been effective. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
What is interesting about this study is it proves what we already know - direct parental involvement helps kids. This certainly is the case with kids having difficulties but applies to all kids. Good, hands on parenting is really what our kids need - not more activities. |
| Article Title |
How to Grow A Super Athlete, Dan Coyle, NY Times |
| Article Conclusion |
"You don't need a fancy academy," he said. "You need fundamentals and discipline, and in this country nobody gives a damn about fundamentals and discipline." |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
This quote is from the last paragraph of the article from Robert Lansdorp, former coach of Pete Sampras.This article is a must read for any parent who has a child in youth sports, and any parent who has a child. There is a science behind sports conditioning we are not following, and desperately need to. If you follow it, and your kids are destined for youth sports greatness, they'll get there. And, the 99% of the rest of the kids will end up much more fit than they are today. |
| Study Title |
Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Fat Mass in a Large Cohort of Children (PloS Medicine) |
| Study Conclusion |
We demonstrated a strong graded inverse association between physical activity and obesity that was stronger in boys. Our data suggest that higher intensity physical activity may be more important than total activity. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Very simply, exercise is good, and intense exercise is better. This study supports that it does not take much activity time to keep our kids healthy - especially if we help focus the intensity correctly. |
| Study Title |
Are There Long-Term Effects of Early Child Care? (Child Development) |
| Study Conclusion |
The results indicated that although parenting was a stronger and more consistent predictor of children's development than early child-care experience, higher quality care predicted higher vocabulary scores and more exposure to center care predicted more teacher-reported externalizing problems. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
This study has created quite a stir! I'm wondering about other variables that may be contributing to these kids acting out a bit more than the other kids. It would be interesting to look more closely at the time these kids are in day care and the quality of their interactions with their parents. Knowing that parent involvement is the biggest predictor of behavior, at the first sign of kids in daycare acting out, I'd suggest you take a step back and really be sure you have the quality time with your kids that you think you have. We lead busy lives - sometimes what looks ok on the surface may not be meeting our kids needs. |
| Study Title |
Food For Thought: TV Advertising and Kids
(Kaiser Foundation) |
| Study Conclusion |
For each age group studied, food was the top product seen advertised. Thirty-two percent of all ads seen by 2-7 year olds were for food, while 25% of ads seen by 8-12 year olds and 22% of ads seen by 13-17 year olds were for food. Of all genres on TV, shows specifically designed for children under 12 have the highest proportion of food advertising (50% of all ad time). |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Interesting read.Kaiser has a number of worthwhile media studies that all have similar messages. What does this report mean for our kids? Simple. We have our work cut out for us in keeping our kids healthy. Keep TV to a minimum and talk to your kids frankly about the role of advertising. |
| Study Title |
Gastric Bypass Surgery and Teens
(Journal of Pediatric Surgery) |
| Study Conclusion |
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is not only a safe operation for morbidly obese pediatric patients, but also represents an effective treatment strategy with a %EWL of approximately 50% at both 1 year and 18 months of follow-up. Because of the minimal morbidity and complete absence of mortality of the LAGB, it is the optimal surgical option for pediatric patients with morbid obesity. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
This is a good news, bad news situation. On the one hand, it is reassuring to know this dramatic procedure is safe for obese teens. On the other hand, the fact that teens even need the procedure is disturbing. This is another wake up call that our kids are getting too big. Kids and teens go through various stages of being overweight before becoming obese. Let's keep these surgeries to a minimum and start helping our kids get their weight status under control. |
<<Back to Top>> |
February 2007
| Study Title |
Adolescents' Reported Consequences of Having Sex |
| Study Conclusion |
Adolescents experience a range of social and emotional consequences after having sex. Our findings have implications for clinical practice and public health campaigns targeted toward youth. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
This study intrigues me because it looked at young teens in early high school and sheds light into their emotional responses. The ambivalence reported by these teens is testiment that while they have the bodies for sex, their emotions and maturity lag a bit behind. What does this mean for us as parents? To be honest with our teens. Given them the facts about sex and sexuality while resisting the temptation to come on too strong. I have also long suspected that teens who have strong self-esteems otherwise may be more receptive for not hunting for it physically too young. |
| Study Title |
Risk Factors for Plagiocephaly |
| Study Conclusion |
Three determinants were associated with an increased risk of deformational plagiocephaly at birth: male gender, first-born birth rank, and brachycephaly. Eight factors were associated with an increased risk of deformational plagiocephaly at 7 weeks of age: male gender, first-born birth rank, positional preference when sleeping, head to the same side on chest of drawers, only bottle feeding, positioning to the same side during bottle feeding, tummy time when awake <3 times per day, and slow achievement of motor milestones. This study supports the hypothesis that specific nursing habits, as well as motor development and positional preference, are primarily associated with the development of deformational plagiocephaly. Earlier achievement of motor milestones probably protects the child from developing deformational plagiocephaly. Implementation of practices based on this new evidence of preventing and diminishing deformational plagiocephaly in child health care centers is very important. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Talk about timing - no sooner do I talk to Dr. Rogers about the latest thinking of plagiocephaly then a study comes out supporting current options. Prevent is the best strategy so parents whose babies fall into these categories should be vigilent and talk to their pediatricians with any concerns. But, as Dr. Rogers explains in this month's column, most kids will look fine regardless of what you do. |
| Study Title |
Online exposure to Pornography |
| Study Conclusion |
More research concerning the potential impact of Internet pornography on youth is warranted, given the high rate of exposure, the fact that much exposure is unwanted, and the fact that youth with certain vulnerabilities, such as depression, interpersonal victimization, and delinquent tendencies, have more exposure. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
The results of the study state:
Forty-two percent of youth Internet users had been exposed to online pornography in the past year. Of those, 66% reported only unwanted exposure. And,
Youth who used filtering and blocking software had lower odds of wanted exposure.
Bottom Line: filters online are good and unsupervised time online bad. The AAP and Microsoft have teamed up on this topic and produced a new parental filter. You can get more information here. |
| Report Title |
Annual Summary Of Vital Statistics: 2005 |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Interesting data on the state of our kids' health and safety. For the most part, very few changes compared to 2004 except influenza and pneumonia rates declined (perhaps due to immunization?). And, preventable injuries remain our kids #1 threat.
What does this mean to your kids? Prevent what you can. Don't throw caution to the wind and look the other way with basic safety things such as wearing helmets. |
| Report Title |
Infant Deaths and Cold Medications (MMWR) |
| Report Conclusion |
Because of the risks for toxicity, absence of dosing recommendations, and limited published evidence of effectiveness of these medications in children aged <2 years, parents and other caregivers should not administer cough and cold medications to children in this age group without first consulting health-care provider and should follow the provider's instructions precisely. Clinicians should use caution when prescribing cough and cold medications to children aged <2 years. Moreover, clinicians should always ask caregivers about their use of over-the-counter combination medications to avoid overdose in children from multiple medications that contain the same ingredient. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
As a parent, I know how helpless it is to watch your infant wrestle with a bad cold or virus. The difficult reality is that over the counter products for kids under 2 not only don't work but are unsafe. This is one time where we can't throw caution to the wind. The risks are just too high. Humidifyers, saline and nose suction and fluids provide some relief while time is the ultimate cure. |
| Study Title |
HPV Prevalence in US Females (JAMA) |
| Study Conclusion |
HPV is common among females in the United States. Our data indicate that the burden of prevalent HPV infection among females was greater than previous estimates and was highest among those aged 20 to 24 years. However, the prevalence of HPV vaccine types was relatively low. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
This study is very timely! When you tease through the data, 3 million women can benefit from the vaccine against cervical cancer. That tells you how much HPV is really out there given the strains that cause cervical cancer are the minority of HPV strains. How do we control those exposures and sexually transmitted diseases? Talking to teens openly about safe sex. Talking about it will not make a teen more likely to have sex. On the contrary, it will help them make a sound decision should they find themselves contemplating having sex. |
<<Back to Top>> |
January 2007
| Study Title |
|
| Study Conclusion |
Frequent reading of magazine articles about dieting/weight loss strongly predicted unhealthy weight-control behaviors in adolescent girls, but not boys, 5 years later. Findings from this study, in conjunction with findings from previous studies, suggest a need for interventions aimed at reducing exposure to, and the importance placed on, media messages regarding dieting and weight loss. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
We all know how impressionable teenagers are but studies like this highlight just how much. We can learn a great deal about our kids worries by what they are reading online and in print. In my mind, girls who constantly read about weight issues may have a weight problem or eat disorder brewing. Parents would be wise to snoop a bit and get their teens help if concerned. |
| Study Title |
|
| Study Conclusion |
This research indicates that children with asthma as young as 7 may be dependable and valuable reporters of their health. Data quality tends to improve with age. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Let's hear it for the kids! THis is very reassuring that even young kids, 1st and 2nd grade, can start becoming reliable about how they are feeling. With asthma in particular, this can help get treatment going at home sooner than if parental observation alone is relied upon.
|
| Study Title |
Breastfeeding and Eczema in the first year of life. |
| Study Conclusion |
Our results indicated that no strong effect of breastfeeding on eczema in the first year of life was present. This conclusion was strengthened by risk period–specific analysis, which made the influence of reverse causation unlikely. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
Studies like this are important in helping clarify the breast vs. formula debate which seems to be intensifying. One way for parents to make an informed decision is to understand what the true benefits are to the infant with breastfeeding beyond nutrition. |
| Study Title |
Physician advice about being overweight and results |
| Study Conclusion |
Physician counseling regarding adolescent overweight status was associated with a positive impact on attempted weight loss and moderate dietary behaviors. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
It can be very difficult to talk to kids about weight issues but clearly it is important and studies like this show that there is positive impact.Many parents fear talking to their kids about weight issues for fear of making it more of a problem or having the child feel bad about themselves. At the same time, getting kids more active was unaffected by physician discussion of weight in this study. This confirms prior studies and reports that there has to be a multi prong approach to getting kids more active with school and home all working in concert. |
| Study Title |
SunSafe and Middle School |
| Study Conclusion |
Our multi component model addressing adolescent sun protection shows the power of engaging teens and adults from across the community as role models and educators. This new ecological approach shows promise in changing adolescent sun protection behaviors and reducing skin cancer risks. |
Dr. Gwenn's
2 cents |
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