The American College of Pediatricians-a Valuable Resource for Parents

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Parent Talk from the American College of Pediatricians

          The American College of Pediatricians was founded in 2002 as an alternative to medical organizations that had become more like political action committees than professional medical associations.  It is ‘a national organization of pediatricians and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of children’ and its policies and recommendations are based on ‘real science’.  I am proud to be a member of this organization and I can highly recommend it as a resource for parents.  Check out their website which is full of valuable information.  In particular I recommend Parent Talk which provides updated commentary and recommendations on timely issues.  The American College of Pediatricians truly lives up to its motto, ‘Best for Children’. 

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Vaping…Unhealthy and Addictive!

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Vaping Is an Unhealthy and Addictive Activity Popular with Teens

        Many adults are not familiar with vaping and are not aware that this popular activity among teens is both unhealthy and addictive.  Vaping is the term used to describe the inhalation of vapors formed when a battery powered device heats a flavored liquid (E-juice) that contains nicotine and other chemicals.  Also known as E-cigarettes, these devices come in several forms and are actually more commonly used than cigarettes by teens.  It is estimated that 3 million adolescents use them.  Although E-cigarettes are not legal under the age of 18, teens can often order E-juice on the internet without difficulty.  Because E-cigarettes may be less toxic than cigarettes, it was once thought that they could help adults stop smoking, but this is rarely the case.  Unfortunately, youth who vape are actually more likely to try other tobacco products.

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Measles Outbreak in Europe

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The Outbreak of Measles in Europe

          The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported some disturbing statistics about the current measles outbreak in Europe.  The number of measles cases increased fourfold from 2016 to 2017 with one in four countries in Europe being affected.  The fact that there were 35 deaths in Europe due to measles in 2017 confirms the importance of routine immunizations.  While the media is replete with reports about this increase in measles cases in Europe, it is interesting that none of those reporting have stated the obvious reason.

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Weight Gain Changes Genes

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Even Small Amounts of Weight Gain Can Change Genes

          A study reported in Cell Systems and reported by the New York Times indicates that even a small gain in weight can result in “thousands of changes in genes and various biological systems” and that these changes may not be completely reversed by losing that weight.  The study found that 318 genes worked differently after even small increases in weight.  For more information on this fascinating study check out the references below.

New York Times: Big Data Comes to Dieting

Cell Systems: Integrative Personal Omics Profiles during Periods of Weight Gain and Loss

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Sports Related Infections

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Skin Infections Spread by Contact during Sports Participation 

          It is not uncommon for those participating in sports related activities to acquire skin infections.  This usually occurs through direct contact with the infected skin of another participant or contact with fomites (objects) contaminated by someone with an infection.  Some of the more common types of infection include: 

Bacterial: Both Staphylococcal and Streptococcal skin infections can be spread by skin to skin contact, causing cellulitis and skin abscesses

Viral: Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus) and warts (verruca vulgaris) can be spread by contact particularly during wrestling

Fungal: Tinea fungal infections spread by contact include ringworm (tinea corporus) and athletes foot (tinea pedis)

Parasitic:  Scalp and body lice (Pediculosis) and scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei)

Preventive Measures 

          There are some simple steps which athletes, young and old, can take to minimize the spread of skin infections during sports participation.  Some of the more practical measures include the following: 

-Avoid sharing water bottles, towels, athletic equipment, 

-Wash hands and shower frequently

-Wear shower shoes in communal showers

-Seek medical treatment for skin infections

-Postpone participation in contact sports until the infection is resolved

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