U.S. TEENS NOT PROTECTING THEMSELVES FROM SUN
A Boston University survey of 10,000 teens across the U.S. showed that most teens are ignoring basic sun protection advice. This behavior is putting them at increased risk for skin cancer later in life. Only 34% reported using sunscreen routinely, 83% had at least one sunburn last summer, and 36% had three or more sunburns last summer. It is well known that the more sunburns a child endures, the greater the risk of skin cancer later.

Dr. Sears comments: Parents need to do a better job at teaching their kids about the dangers of sun exposure. The problem is, many teens won't listen to their parents advice. Perhaps school programs could do the job. Click here to learn more about sun protection.

TV IN A CHILD'S BEDROOM INCREASES RISK OF OBESITY
A Columbia University ofn New York study showed that having a TV in a preschooler's bedroom increased viewing time by about 5 hours per week, and therefore increased the risk of obesity by 33%. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises limiting viewing time to 1 to 2 hours per day.

PERSISTENT INFANT CRYING INCREASES CHANCE OF ADHD
A UK study of 128 children showed that infants who were persistent criers beyond 4 months of age had a 20% chance of hyperactive behavior as a child, versus a 2% chance in non-criers. They also tended to not perform as well in school and displayed more antisocial behavior. Babies diagnosed specifically with colic did not show these tendencies. The researchers believed one reason for these findings was the attitude, or lack thereof, of the caregivers towards the fussy infants.

Dr. Sears comments: This is a small research study, and therefore can't be applied to all kids. But I believe that parenting a fussy or high-need baby using attachment parenting principles, instead of letting them "cry it out", helps these babies to grow into mature, well-rounded children and adults. Click here for a discussion on fussy and high-need babies.

VITAMIN C MAY HELP PREVENT STROKES
A Finland study of 2400 men showed that those with lower Vitamin C levels in their bloodstream were 2.4 times more likely to have a stroke than those with higher Vitamin C levels. The low-level group consumed the equivalent of half a glass of orange juice daily, whereas the high-level group drank the equivalent of 2 glasses each day.

Dr. Sears comments: Click here to read about vitamins in general, and see specifically how to get more Vitamin C in your diet.

CANCER-CAUSING ACRYLAMIDE FOUND IN FRIED FOODS
Last month a Swedish study (click here to read our news archives for April 2002) revealed high amounts of this carcinogen in carbohydrate-rich foods that were fried or baked at high temperatures for long periods of time. The highest risk foods were french fries and potato chips. Britain also found similar results, and now Norway has confirmed these findings in their own study.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION MEETS TO DISCUSS ACRYLAMIDE RISK
After a three-day closed door meeting of international food safety experts it was announced that the risk of acrylamide in fried carbohydrate-rich foods is possible, and further research is needed before specific recommendations can be made.

Dr. Sears comments: people, myself included, were skeptical when Sweden announced their findings 2 months ago. But now that Britain and Norway have also found similar results, and the WHO devoted 3 days of meetings to this issue, I hope people will pay more attention to how many french fries and potato chips they consume. Click here to read about the Dr. Sears anti-cancer diet.

FAT FREE FOODS ARE HIGH IN SUGAR AND CAN UNDERMINE WEIGHT-LOSS EFFORTS
The American Heart Association released a warning about fat-free and low fat foods - they tend to be higher in sugar and overall calories than their regular fat counterparts. The real concern is that people think they can safely eat large amounts of such foods, thus putting themselves at greater risk of obesity.

Dr. Sears comments: reading labels can help educate consumers, but that is just one aspect of eating healthy. Click here to read about my L.E.A.N program for living a healthy life.

SPANKING MAY INCREASE VIOLENT BEHAVIOR LATER
A Columbia University psychologist analyzed 88 different research studies on spanking. While it was clear that spanking does get a child's immediate attention and stops the unwanted behavior, the long-term effects are not worth it. Kids who were spanked were more likely to show aggression, anti-social behavior, and be abusive to children and spouses later in life.

Dr. Sears comments: I am not a fan of spanking. Click here to browse through our discipline index for more gentle and effective ways to guide your children.

U.S. LAKES AND RIVERS HAVE CONTAMINATED FISH
The EPA released its 2001 findings on which lakes and rivers have fish that are contaminated with mercury or other pollutants. 28% of lakes and 14% of rivers showed enough contamination to justify a warning against eating fish from these areas. These numbers showed an increase from last year. The danger is mostly to pregnant women, breastfeeding infants, and children. Click here to go to the EPA's website to see if any lakes or rivers near you received a warning or ban from eating fish caught there.