Friendships forged during a person’s turbulent teenage years lay the essential foundation for their happiness later in life, a new study suggests. Being broadly accepted by peers in early adolescence and forming close connections as an older teen both predict how well-adjusted a person will be in adulthood, researchers found. “Friendships during the teenage years…  read on >  read on >

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 9, 2024 (HealthDay news) — About 3% of U.S. high school students identify as transgender, according to the first federal attempt to gather national data on trans teens. Another 2% question their gender identity, results from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey showed. The survey also found that trans and gender-questioning teens face…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday finalized a rule that will require the removal of all lead pipes from the country’s water systems. “We’ve known for decades that lead exposure has serious long-term impacts for children’s health. And yet, millions of lead service lines are still delivering drinking water to homes,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan…  read on >  read on >

Teens from minority groups seeking treatment at pediatric trauma centers are more likely than their white counterparts to be tested for drugs and alcohol. That’s the takeaway from a new study led by researchers at UCLA and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.  “While screening can positively affect patients if it is followed by counseling and treatment,…  read on >  read on >

THURSDAY, Oct. 3, 2024 (HeathDay News) — Moms-to-be have long known about breast milk’s multiple benefits. Now, a global study confirms that antibodies passed from to baby in breast milk can indeed shield against disease. Immune system antibodies against one common infection, rotavirus, were especially protective, said a team from the University of Rochester in…  read on >  read on >