Pediatrics News and Research

Latest Pediatrics News and Research

Physical activity could reduce violent behavior among adolescent girls

Regular exercise is touted as an antidote for many ills, including stress, depression and obesity. Physical activity also may help decrease violent behavior among adolescent girls, according to new research to be presented Monday, May 6, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Washington, DC.

7 May 2013

800 IU of vitamin D3 per day is recommended for preterm infants, says study

Preterm infants may need to be given 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day to ensure they develop strong bones, according to a study to be presented Sunday, May 5, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Washington, DC.

6 May 2013

Prenatal exposure to flame retardants is associated with lower intelligence and hyperactivity in early childhood

Chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used for decades to reduce fires in everyday products such as baby strollers, carpeting and electronics. A new study to be presented on Monday, May 6, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting shows that prenatal exposure to the flame retardants is associated with lower intelligence and hyperactivity in early childhood.

6 May 2013

Lead exposure can cause mental retardation in children living near sites

Children living near toxic waste sites in lower and middle income countries such as India, Philippines and Indonesia may experience higher blood lead levels, resulting in a loss of IQ points and a higher incidence of mental retardation, according to a study presented today by Kevin Chatham-Stephens, MD, Pediatric Environmental Health Fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting on May 6 in Washington, DC.

6 May 2013

Study highlights the importance of bicycle helmets

Bicycle helmets save lives, and their use should be required by law. That's the conclusion of a study to be presented Monday, May 6, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Washington, DC.

6 May 2013

Researchers create new screening tool to identify suicidal youths

Nearly one in five children and teens found to be at risk for suicide report that there are guns in their homes, and 15 percent of those at risk for suicide with guns in the home know how to access both the guns and the bullets, according to a study to be presented Monday, May 6, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Washington, DC.

6 May 2013

Foster care can provide emotional health benefits to maltreated children

Newspaper articles, TV shows and books are filled with horror stories of children placed in foster care. A new study bucks that trend by showing out-of-home placements can improve the emotional health of some youths who have been maltreated by a parent.

6 May 2013

Over 90% of medical specialists do not follow ADHD guidelines

A recent study by pediatricians from the Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York examined to what extent pediatric physicians adhere to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical guidelines regarding pharmacotherapy in treating young patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

6 May 2013

43% of youths admit to texting while driving; prevalence higher among males and older teens

Teens can get hundreds of text messages a day, but one message they aren't getting is that they shouldn't text and drive.

6 May 2013

Changing toothbrush will not prevent sore throat

Word on the street has it you should replace your toothbrush after suffering from a cold, the flu or a bout of strep throat. That may not be necessary - at least when it comes to sore throats, according to a study to be presented Saturday, May 4, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Washington, DC.

6 May 2013

Survey: Athletic participation may prevent violence-related activities among girls but not among boys

As schools around the country look for ways to reduce violence and bullying, they may want to consider encouraging students to participate in team sports, according to a study to be presented Sunday, May 5, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Washington, DC.

6 May 2013

Survey shows electronic bullying is common among high school students

Step into a class of 30 high school students and look around. Five of them have been victims of electronic bullying in the past year.

6 May 2013

Hydrocarbons are among top 10 causes of pediatric poisoning deaths in the U.S.

Hydrocarbons, a chemical compound commonly found in household items from cleaning products to gasoline, are among the top 10 causes of pediatric poisoning deaths in the United States.

6 May 2013

Oral drops provide a safe and effective alternative for allergy sufferers

Allergy shots are commonly used to treat children with severe environmental allergies and asthma, but under-the-tongue drops may offer yet another beneficial - and stick-free - option for pediatric allergy sufferers, according to a Johns Hopkins Children's Center review of existing scientific evidence.

6 May 2013

Survey shows parents engage in distracting behaviors while driving children

Many parents are putting their precious cargo at risk while driving, according to survey results that will be presented May 5 and 6 at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Washington, DC.

6 May 2013

High school football players are unconcerned over sports-related concussions

Many high school football players say it's OK to play with a concussion even though they know they are at risk of serious injury, according to a study to be presented Monday, May 6, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Washington, DC.

6 May 2013

Study shows magnesium intake, absorption associated with bone density in children

Parents are advised to make sure their children drink milk and eat other calcium-rich foods to build strong bones.

5 May 2013

Dennis Herrera applauds FDA for addressing health risks posed by highly caffeinated energy drinks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier today announced that it has launched a formal investigation into the safety of added caffeine in food products—noting "particularly its effects on children and adolescents"—in response to an unfortunate growing trend in which beverage and food manufacturers are adding caffeine to their products.

5 May 2013

U-M launches new center for treating patients with critical conditions

America's emergency, trauma and intensive care teams provide some of the world's most advanced care, bringing patients back from the brink of death on a regular basis.

5 May 2013

Protecting children from gun violence

Pediatric leaders and researchers will tackle the complex and often politically charged subject of gun violence during a special symposium on Saturday, May 4, at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in Washington, DC.

5 May 2013