For nearly 100 years, Americans have valued tanned skin as a symbol of health and vitality. (Before 1920, Americans and Europeans considered pale skin and indicator of health and success.) The trend began when doctors began to prescribe sunbathing for ailments, including tuberculosis. Soon Hollywood stars and fashion icons started to boast of tanned skin, and the rest of America followed suit. [Read more…]
New evidence on toothpaste for kids
April 3, 2014 By 1 Comment
In the U.S. dental care has long been a priority for young children. Decades ago, I can clearly remember our church giving out toothbrushes and toothpaste every Halloween before it was time to trick-or-treat. But for many reasons, tooth decay is a growing problem among preschool children. [Read more…]
Smoking bans are good for kids
April 1, 2014 By Leave a Comment
It’s a well-established fact that smoking is bad for your health. Thousands of studies and hundreds of systematic reviews have documented health problems related to individuals smoking. But this week, researchers published the first-ever review that found smoking in public places has broader negative consequences for child health.
[Read more…]
Mentoring works for troubled, but how?
March 18, 2014 By 1 Comment
When young people are struggling – with school, addiction, criminal behavior or a number of other problems – help often comes through a mentor. Thousands of organizations across the country pair at-risk young people with a role model to help them get back on track. But does mentoring work?
A new way to help mistreated children
February 28, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Each year in the U.S., more than 600,000 children suffer abuse or neglect that warrants the intervention of Child Protective Services. Often times, these children need support for emotional and behavioral difficulties. It’s a heart-breaking problem, but there is evidence that some treatments can help. [Read more…]
How to keep teen parents in school
February 7, 2014 By 1 Comment
The evidence shows that high school dropouts earn less money, have poorer health outcomes and are more likely to get into legal trouble. And teenagers who are pregnant or who are parents are especially vulnerable to dropping out of school. There are hundreds of programs designed to keep teens in school. But how effective are they, especially for pregnant and parenting teens?
New evidence: The internet and self-harm
December 10, 2013 By 1 Comment
As the Internet and social media continue to transform our society, today’s youth are growing up in unchartered waters. For young people who confront problems like depression, the Internet is a particularly tricky issue to navigate.
New evidence on kids and exercise
December 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
We’ve all heard the reports that children today spend too much time in front of TVs and computers, and therefore are less physically fit compared to children in decades past. But what does the evidence say on the matter?
Can the Use of Probiotics Effect Crying Babies?
November 11, 2013 By 1 Comment
First off, I want to congratulate Sheri Hall on the birth of her daughter Charlotte, born on October 13th weighing in at 8 pounds 4 ounces!! Since babies have been on my mind in anticipation of Sheri’s maternity leave, a recent review about crying and colic behavior caught my eye. [Read more…]
The evidence on schools and risky behavior
September 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Millions of youth across the globe returned to school this month after an extended summer break. In our family, we sent one to kindergarten and the other to preschool for the first time, which came with its own set of worries: bus rides, blankies and healthy snacks.
Midwives: Good for moms and babies
September 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment
In the United States, it’s common for pregnant women to see an obstetrician for prenatal care and to deliver their baby. But in most other parts of the world, it’s primarily midwives – care providers who are often nurses and certified by a national organization – who care for pregnant women.
The link between media and violence
September 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Each time there is a tragic shooting that makes the headlines, media pundits question whether the violence found in many U.S. movies, TV shows and video games is a contributing factor to real acts of violence.
