July 2002
Monday, July 15, 2002 Helmets Not Being Worn in Texas This survey found that less than 14% of children wear a helmet when bicycling, skateboarding, in-line skating, or riding a scooter. The study looked at 841 children in Texas. This was an observational study, not a simple survey of use (which could possibly over-inflate the numbers). Comment: teaching your child to wear a helmet is one of the most important health issues parents need to teach. [ article ] Sunday, July 07, 2002 Teaching Your Child Heart Healthy Habits This statement on cardiovascular health in childhood from the American Heart Association lists several ways parents and primary care doctors can help treat and prevent the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. The article lists several indications for screening young children for high cholesterol. One of the strategies the article recommends is for parents to not reward their children by taking them to a fast-food joint. Parents should emphasize physical play, not exercise. Children should eat a standard low-fat diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Comment: this is an excellent article that parents should read. [ article ] Wednesday, July 03, 2002 Pregnancy Achieved by Most Couples Within 2 Years Couples even in their late 30s have a 91% chance of getting pregnant within 2 years according to this study of 782 couples. [ article ] Children in Lesbian Families Surveyed This study from Belgium looked at 41 children (22 boys & 19 girls) living in lesbian families and 37 children in heterosexual families. The average age was 10.5 years. The study found that the teachers though that the children in the lesbian families had more attention problems in school. The children in both groups reported the same level of quality in parent-child interactions. Comment: this study compared the children of lesbian versus bisexual parents. It would be interesting to look at a comparison between lesbian and married heterosexual parents. Studies have frequently shown large differences in the children of unmarried versus married heterosexual adults. [ article ] Binge Drinking on Campuses Causes Widespread Vandalism This report from the Harvard School of Public Health states that homes within a mile of college campuses are more than twice as likely to be vandalized. Assault and other problems associated with drunkeness are also much more common in these homes. The authors comment that two in five US college students are binge drinkers. Comment: the US's "war on drugs" needs to focus much more on alcohol abuse and tobacco. article ] Monday, July 01, 2002 Underage Drinking: Do You Know the Facts? NEWSMAX.COM. Monday, July 1, 2002. The facts of underage drinking paint a stark portrayal of this burgeoning dilemma. Here are just a few of the utterly sobering statistics regarding underage drinking in the United States:
In the face of this harsh reality, a unique consortium Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free made up of governors' spouses, federal agencies and public and private organizations has been formed to help combat the use of alcohol by children ages 9 to 15. A Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's national household survey suggests that fifth grade age 10 and 11 is not too early to begin sending clear messages about underage drinking. According to this national survey, almost 10.5 million youths age 12 to 20 nearly 30 percent had used alcohol at least once a month prior to the survey. And, sadly, the average age of first use of alcohol continues to drop. Consider these potent words by Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson: "Ou So, what can you do to help sway your child away from underage drinking? According to the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free, as a parent or caregiver you play a vital role in influencing your child. You serve as a role model on the use of alcohol, control the availability of alcohol in your home, and help set your child's expectations concerning drinking behaviors. They suggest you take these steps in your home:
For more information on underage drinking, visit the website of the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free at www.alcoholfreechildren.org A Final Thought: There is some good news 60 percent of young people age 12 to 17 have never had a drink. In fact, a recent study showed that children whose parents are involved in their lives hold regular conversations, attend after-school events and listen to their problems are less likely to drink or smoke. So please, use your powerful parental i Reprinted from NewsMax.com with Permission. Copyright 2002 by Bruce Mandelblit |
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