New research reveals a disproportionate increase in chronic health conditions among US children living in poverty. Children with asthma, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and autism are more likely to have co-existing medical conditions, such as developmental delays or depression.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a policy statement linking climate change with the health of children. The statement highlights the unique vulnerability of children to climate-related threats, including heat stress, air quality issues, and increased infectious diseases.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends increasing the minimum age to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to 21 nationwide. The AAP also urges regulations to reduce youth access, increase prices, and promote smoke-free environments to mitigate the risks of tobacco and nicotine use.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that youth football leagues enforce proper tackling techniques, expand non-tackling leagues, and provide skilled athletic trainers to reduce injuries among young athletes. The AAP aims to balance the recreational benefits of the game with the health risks associated with tackling.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening all children for food insecurity and refers families to community resources. Lack of adequate healthy food can impair concentration, lead to behavioral problems, and increase risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals a significant increase in ACL tears among youths, particularly high school students, over the past two decades. The incidence rose by 2.3% per year, with females experiencing most ACL tears at age 16 and males peaking at age 17.
A multi-center trial found that therapy dogs can reduce anxiety levels and improve heart rate stability in children with cancer, as well as their parents. The study provides the first solid data on the psychosocial benefits of animal-assisted interventions for pediatric cancer patients.
A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that nearly three-quarters of mothers and fathers start developing vaccine preferences for their newborns before they know they are having a baby. Parents who were more educated and had previously discussed vaccines with their partner were more likely to form these early preferences.
A new study has identified 28 barriers to mental health services for US adolescents affected by bullying, including inadequate screening and counseling by medical providers. The findings highlight the need for improved communication between medical providers, school officials, and parents to ensure access to mental health services.
A study found that over 40% of coaches and 50% of parents believe it's acceptable to let young athletes back into the game before receiving medical clearance, despite guidelines recommending caution. The research aims to raise awareness on safe return-to-play protocols to ensure child athletes receive proper attention after head hits.
A new study reveals that nonpowder firearms like airsoft and paintball guns can cause severe injuries in pediatric patients. Twenty-nine percent of the children treated for nonpowder gun injuries required surgery, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on muzzle velocities to prevent such incidents.
A new study suggests that a mother's use of marijuana during pregnancy may indicate the use of other illicit drugs. The study found that 26% of mothers or their newborns tested positive for THC, with concurrent detection of opioids (12%), amphetamines (11%), and cocaine (6%) also common.
A new study found that hands-on training with chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth ventilation increased students' willingness to perform CPR on actual victims. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an effective way to teach large groups of people lifesaving skills and increase their willingness to use them if they witness...
Babies born to mothers traveling to the US for birth have significant medical complexities, longer hospital stays and increased re-hospitalization. The study found an average maternal age of 4 years older, doubled median hospital stay length and higher mortality rate compared to control group.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that only 2% of commonly searched websites for firearm storage guidance correctly identified all four safety practices. The four measures include keeping guns locked and unloaded, and storing ammunition in a separate location.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that nearly 1 in 6 advertisements for children's products in top parenting magazines conflicted with health and safety recommendations. In over half of these cases, ads promoted messages that could put a child's life at risk, such as unsafe sleep positions and choking hazards.
Urban teens identify improving employment opportunities, after-school activities and a cleaner city environment as key solutions to reduce violence. The study found that 61% of youths reported having a family member killed in an act of violence, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
A survey of over 6,000 schools found that nearly 22% of anaphylactic events occurred in individuals with no previously known allergies. The majority were treated with epinephrine auto-injectors, and the most common triggers included food and insect stings.
A new study found that children in foster care are three times more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than their peers. Children with both ADHD and a simultaneous disorder are more likely to receive psychological services, suggesting a high need for these services within this group.
More than two-thirds of health food store sales attendants recommended creatine to a researcher posing as a 15-year-old athlete, despite American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations against use in minors. Sales attendants were also more likely to recommend creatine to male athletes.
A new rule restricting full-contact tackling during high school football practices has been shown to significantly reduce concussion rates among players. The American Academy of Pediatrics study used data from over 16,000 adolescent athletes and found a nearly twofold decrease in concussions after the rule change.
A new study reveals that high school female athletes are most likely to experience ACL injuries while playing basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. The rate of injury per exposure is higher in girls than boys, particularly in these high-risk sports.
A study by Eric J. Peng found that each extra inch of adult height correlates with an average increase in yearly income, with men earning $1,660 more per year for every inch above 64 inches and women earning $1,186 more per year for every inch above 59 inches.
Research shows that skin-to-skin snuggling between mothers and babies can decrease maternal stress levels, improving parent-child bonding and breastfeeding rates. The study found a significant reduction in maternal anxiety, feeling helpless, and stress related to NICU experience.
Researchers found that victims of bullying fare worse in the long run than maltreated children, with those who experienced both facing increased risk of depression and self-harm. The study suggests a need for more efforts by schools and policymakers to address bullying.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that many teens who have experienced child sexual abuse engage in sexting, receive online solicitations, and meet with strangers they met online. This increases their risk of revictimization.
A study found girls with ASD were diagnosed at a mean age of 4 years compared to 3.8 years for boys, while girls with Asperger's syndrome were diagnosed at 7.6 years versus 7.1 years for boys. Girls struggled more with social cognition and had less severe mannerisms.
A new study found that technology can reduce distracted driving among teen drivers when cameras and cell phone blocking programs are in place. The study showed that teens who used these systems had lower cell phone use and fewer high-risk driving behaviors.
Research reveals that detection rates of critical congenital heart disease before birth have improved, but disparities remain in poor and rural communities. The study found that those living in these areas are less likely to receive a diagnosis before birth due to limited healthcare resources.
A study of 35 parents/guardians reveals high tension regarding technology use, with many worried about their children's screen time affecting social skills. Parents also expressed concerns about addiction and the creative benefits of mobile media, highlighting the need for guidance from pediatric providers.
A new game app was tested on kindergartners to assess its effectiveness in teaching safety behaviors around dogs and while bicycling. The results showed that children who used the app learned significantly more safety strategies than those in a control group, and their behavior improved accordingly.
A summer feeding program in California has served over 33,000 meals to 1,200 children and adults, significantly reducing food insecurity. The program, established in 2013, provided breakfast and lunch to kids, lunch to adults, and take-home meals for families.
A recent study found that electronic cigarette use among teenagers is increasing rapidly, with 10% of teens using e-cigarettes in 2012 rising to 11% in 2014. The study also showed that e-cigarette use was more prevalent among older youths and males.
Researchers found that males living in Philadelphia with supportive adult connections were significantly less likely to report involvement or witnessing violence. Supportive relationships with parents and other adults were common among youths, with nearly 70% saying they had at least one supportive adult in their life.
Researchers found that kindergartners who watched 1-2 hours of TV daily were 50-60% more likely to be overweight and 58-73% more likely to be obese compared to those watching less than an hour. The study suggests limiting childhood TV viewing could help combat childhood obesity.
The American Academy of Pediatrics celebrates seven significant research achievements that have led to prevention and treatment strategies for diseases such as rotavirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, SIDS, and acute lymphocytic leukemia. These advancements have saved millions of lives and improved child health worldwide.
A study found that 7% of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) resolved their symptoms, but most continued to struggle with social and emotional challenges. The children who showed improvement had normal cognition, but residual learning and behavioral issues persisted.
A two-phase intervention at an inner-city school increased purchases of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and plain white fat-free milk by 20-62%. The study suggests using emoticons and small prizes to entice students to make healthier choices in school cafeterias.
Research reveals that children aged 14 and younger are treated in US emergency rooms for playground-related injuries over 200,000 times annually. When caregivers are distracted by electronic devices, including cell phones, their children are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors on the playground.
A study found that babies as young as 6 months are being exposed to mobile devices, and by 1 year, one in seven toddlers is using them for at least an hour a day. Most 2-year-olds were also using mobile devices regularly.
A new study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting found that providing students with a collection of self-selected books at the end of the school year can improve reading achievement, particularly for low-income students. Results showed no significant difference in reading scores between intervention and control ...
New research shows that state laws banning texting while driving led to a significant reduction in teens using their cell phones behind the wheel, but 30% of teens still admitted to texting. Experienced drivers, especially those over 16, were more likely to use their phones while driving.
A recent study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that teenagers who survive self-poisoning are at a significantly increased risk of dying by suicide in the following decade. Half of all suicides among these teens occurred more than three years after their initial episode, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
A recent study found that exposure to books and stories in early childhood is associated with differences in brain activity. Greater home reading was linked to stronger activation of areas critical for oral language and later for reading. Visualization also plays a key role in narrative comprehension, allowing children to 'see' the story.
A study found that many magazine images and stock photos of infants show them sleeping on their stomachs or with soft objects, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Only about half of the stock photos and a third of magazine pictures depicted safe sleep environments according to AAP guidelines.
Over 7,000 pediatric leaders will attend the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting, showcasing original research on child health topics. The meeting features a wide range of presentations, including sessions on bullying, teen texting and driving, and health care for immigrant children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is revisiting its policy on toddler screen time as technology advances. Pediatricians Dr. Dimitri Christakis and Dr. Donald Shifrin will debate the topic at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition, with both agreeing that hard rules are challenging to implement.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announces the launch of the American Academy of Pediatrics' updated early literacy toolkit, Books Build Connections. The toolkit aims to help doctors talk with parents about early communication, reading, and singing to promote young children's brain development and vocabulary building.
A study found that thousands of youth caregivers in the US face significant challenges, including school failure and poor health. The caregivers, who are often girls between 12 and 15 years old, spend up to 4 hours per day caring for family members with physical or mental illnesses.
A survey of over 50,000 US mothers aged 18-50 found that the top reasons for extended breastfeeding were nutritional benefits, social bonding, and enjoyment. The American Academy of Pediatrics presented this study to highlight the importance of breastfeeding beyond infancy.