This Week in Pediatrics
Immunization News | Red Book Online | American Academy of Pediatrics
More than 230 medical and public health groups, including the American Medical Association and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, announced support for the American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 vaccine schedule, calling it science-based ...
Medical groups offer vaccine guidance to fill federal vacuum | KPBS Public Media
"These vaccines not only protect mom's health and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes during pregnancy, but they also protect the newborn when they are unable to get vaccinated," Dr. Christina Davidson, ACOG's chief medical officer, said during the briefing. T...
Contemporary Pediatrics – Clinical News & Pediatrician Practice Tips
Chronic skin conditions linked to bullying, depression, and suicide risk in children, adolescents · Chronic pediatric skin disorders cause significant stigma, bullying, depression, and suicide risk—conditions often underrecognized and ...
Research of the Day
Family-Based Treatment for Childhood Obesity: 5-Year Outcomes
This long-term follow-up evaluated family-based behavioral treatment (FBT) for childhood obesity. Children who received FBT maintained healthier BMI trajectories compared to usual care, with parental involvement being key to sustained success.
Key findings: (1) 25% greater BMI reduction maintained at 5 years; (2) Parental BMI change correlated with child outcomes; (3) Maintenance sessions improved long-term success.
Engage the whole family in obesity treatment—target the child alone is less effective. Focus on sustainable lifestyle changes, address family habits, and plan for ongoing support.
Popular Beliefs
Shaving makes hair grow back thicker and darker
What the evidence shows: Shaving removes hair at the skin surface, leaving a blunt tip that may feel coarser as it grows out. However, it does not affect hair thickness, color, or growth rate. This is an optical illusion from the blunt vs. tapered hair shaft.
Cracking knuckles causes arthritis
What the evidence shows: Studies comparing habitual knuckle-crackers to non-crackers found no increased arthritis risk. The cracking sound is from gas bubble release in synovial fluid. The main consequence may be reduced grip strength and annoyed family members.
Eating carrots dramatically improves vision
What the evidence shows: While carrots contain vitamin A important for eye health, eating extra carrots won't improve normal vision or eliminate the need for glasses. Vitamin A deficiency can cause vision problems, but this is rare in developed countries with varied diets.
Behaviors
Breakfast Consumption and Cognitive Performance in School-Age Children
This crossover study compared cognitive test performance in 200 children ages 8-11 on days with and without breakfast. Skipping breakfast significantly impaired attention, memory, and problem-solving speed, with effects noticeable by mid-morning.
Key findings: (1) 18% slower response time on attention tasks without breakfast; (2) Short-term memory scores 12% lower; (3) Nutrient-dense breakfasts outperformed high-sugar options for sustained attention.
Screen for breakfast skipping during well visits, especially in lower-income families. Connect families with school breakfast programs when appropriate. Quick, balanced breakfast options can be discussed as anticipatory guidance.
Genetics
Genetic Risk Screening for Type 1 Diabetes: Prevention Trial Update
Large-scale genetic screening of newborns identifies high-risk children for T1D prevention trials. Early results suggest immune modulation in high-risk children may delay or prevent onset of diabetes.
Key findings: (1) 5% of screened infants fall into high-risk category; (2) Early intervention delayed onset by average 3 years; (3) Screening acceptable to most families when explained appropriately.
T1D prevention is moving from research to clinical reality. Stay updated on trial availability. For families with T1D history, genetic counseling and risk assessment may be appropriate for siblings.