Whats up, doc?

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December 2024

 

There was a very disturbing article in PEDIATRICS, by Bridget Duffy, BS, et al. “Characteristics of Fatalities Among Sexual-Gender-Diverse Youth in the United States: 2015-2020”, vol. 154, nu 83, Nov.2024.

 

This article stated the following, “Suicide was the most common manner of death for sexual-and gender-diverse youth, despite many decedents receiving current or prior mental health services.” What is most upsetting is that many of these victims were currently receiving or had received mental health services.

 

The plight of the sexual and gender diverse youth is marked by bullying, ridicule, social isolation and cyber harassment.

 

With this in mind, it is imperative that these youths get adequate and appropriate mental health support.

 

Parents. It is a REAL problem. Be informed, and if your offspring has this issue be an advocate for him or her. Get them help.

 

On a different note, is there nothing your child can do that does not present a risk?

 

We know football, rugby, baseball and soccer can lead to injuries.

 

Greg Canty, M.D. F.A.A.P et al wrote“Safety in Cheerleading: Epidemiology and Recommendations: Policy Statement”, vol. 154, mu 5, Nov 2024. Because of this article we can add cheerleading to the list.

 

He includes four injury types as follows for high school cheerleading:

Injury Diagnosis

Competition Rate per 10K ERs

Practice Rate per 10K AEs

Concussion

2.36

2.51

Ligament sprain

2.10

1.46

Muscle strain

0.66

0.08

Fracture

0.92

0.73

 

The rates are not very high, but nevertheless they are present. I am not suggesting that we should ban our offspring from cheerleading or any sport. But we must be aware that athletic pursuits can lead to injury.

 

As a sideline high school football doctor for many years I would worry more about the little teen cheerleader who got tossed high in the air hopefully to be caught by her teammates than the football players on the field.

 

I guess one must realize about the dangers of life in general. How about when your teen takes off in a car, let alone runs out on a playing field. Being a parent is an anxious pursuit. I can attest to that being a father of seven girls and six boys.