December 2023

 

Once again the journal PEDIATRICS has several informative articles that will make you a more aware parent.

 

IQ AFTER PEDIATRIC CONCUSSION by Ashley L. Ware, Ph.D. et al in PEDIATRICS, vol. 153, nu. 2, August 2023. Pg. 21.

 

The authors found no evidence of clinically meaningful differences in IQ scores after a pediatric concussion. This does not mean concussion type trauma is of no significance. For several days-to-weeks following a concussion the patient may suffer neurologic dysfunctions in learning processes, neurologic functions or social behaviors. With a concussion alone these are not permanent. But still the patient must be allowed to compensate for these symptoms in his or her daily life.

 

FAILURE TO COMPLETE MULTIDOSE VACCINE SERIES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD by Sarah Y. Michels, MPH et al, in PEDIATRICS, vol. 152, nu. 2, August 2023, pg. 32.

 

One in six children in the United States do not complete a vaccine series. This leaves many children with incomplete protection for many infectious diseases that can prove damaging to them. As a parent, be sure that your children receive the full series where multi doses are required. For 16% of United States children to be vulnerable to various infectious diseases is shameful and inexcusable, and simply careless on the part of the parents.

 

CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT TELEVISION VIEWING AND METABOLIC SYNDROME IN MID-ADULTHOOD by Nathan MacDonell, BBSc, and Robert J. Hancox, M.D. in PEDIATRICS, vol. 152, nu. 2, August 2023, pg. 18.

 

It is interesting to note that they found long lasting effects for excessive screen time childhood. We know these practices cause obesity, poor sleep habits and behavior dysfunctions in childhood.

 

The authors found an association with the development of the following when children reach adulthood:

 

• Elevated Hgb A-1C
• Obesity
• High blood triglyceride
• Low high density lipoprotein
• High blood pressure

 

This just adds more ammunition for parents in waging the war to reduce screen time in their offspring.

 

I know limiting screen time is a tough battle with the advent of I-phones and personal computers. TV alone was a hard enough battle. Since it is apparent that behaviors of childhood affect middle age we cannot be lax in our parenting.

 

All I can say is be a parent even if it is unpleasant. As parents we are forming adults of the future. Really love your children. Parent them, don’t just raise them.