Teens who watch more medical marijuana ads are more likely to smoke pot themselves, new research indicates. “Our findings suggest that increased exposure to medical marijuana advertising is associated with increased marijuana use and related negative consequences throughout adolescence,” said study lead author Elizabeth D’Amico, of the RAND Corporation. “This work highlights the importance of… read on >
While much attention has been paid to the dangers of e-cigarette use among teens, new research shows that more than half of all tobacco smoked by young people comes from hookahs. The researchers warned that smoking cessation strategies should include these water pipes, which are gaining popularity in this age group. “Most hookah smokers in… read on >
In a troubling sign that anxiety and depression are taking hold of America’s youth, new research shows a doubling since 2008 in the number of kids and teens who’ve been hospitalized for attempted suicide or suicidal thoughts. Study author Dr. Gregory Plemmons said the findings “are not surprising,” and that “colleges have also reported a… read on >
About 1 in 1,000 children has some type of chronic arthritis, the American College of Rheumatology says. Arthritis can affect children of any age, although rarely during the first six months of life. In the United States, a common medical term for the joint disease in children is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Typical symptoms include:… read on >
Progress made in limiting kids’ exposure to secondhand smoke could be undermined by the increasing popularity of pot, a new study suggests. “As we are removing cigarette smoke — and that’s a major public policy achievement — that success will be attenuated by increasing exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke,” said lead researcher Renee Goodwin. The… read on >
Parents are more likely to let their kids see violent PG-13 movies if they feel the mayhem is “justified,” a new study suggests. The study, of 610 U.S. parents, found that moms and dads were less disturbed by gun violence in PG-13 movies when they deemed it justified. That included the typical action-movie scenario where… read on >
Sun damage puts children and teens at risk for deadly melanoma, so parents need to protect their youngsters from the sun and teach them about sun safety, oncologists say. “Don’t assume children cannot get skin cancer because of their age,” said Dr. Alberto Pappo, director of the solid tumor division at St. Jude Children’s Research… read on >
In 2013, there was just one clean-needle program in all of West Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina, and the latter two states had laws banning such programs. Fast-forward four years: All of those laws have now been overturned and the number of “syringe services programs” available to help addicts has risen to over 50 across… read on >
Teacher hostility can dampen students’ desire to learn and harm their grades. That’s the suggestion of a new study that included nearly 500 undergraduate students who watched either a lecture presented in a normal fashion or one in which the teacher was antagonistic, such as belittling students, showing favoritism or criticizing their input. Both groups… read on >
All children become aggressive now and then. But is your youngster prone to long or frequent outbursts? If so, it may be time to see a pediatrician, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Providing your child with a stable, warm, and secure home life with firm, yet loving discipline is the best way to prevent… read on >
