This Week in Pediatrics
Pediatricians raise the alarm on the effect of Trump's immigration crackdown on kids : NPR
A new national survey, conducted between April and June 2026 by the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that 40% of pediatricians have noticed families staying away from care due to immigration concerns.
COVID-19 pandemic | AAP News | American Academy of Pediatrics
AAP continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccines for children who are young or high-risk Sept. 2, 2026 -- The AAP continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for young children and high-risk older children.
JOE DIMAGGIO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL NATIONALLY RANKED IN FIVE SPECIALTIES BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital at Memorial Healthcare System has once again been named one of U.S. News & World Report's 2026-2027 Best Children's Hospitals, earning top rankings in five pediatric specialties.
Research of the Day
Inhaled Corticosteroid Adherence in Minority Children: Community Health Worker Intervention
This RCT evaluated community health worker (CHW) home visits to improve inhaled corticosteroid adherence in 400 minority children with persistent asthma. CHW intervention nearly doubled medication adherence rates.
Key findings: (1) Adherence improved from 45% to 82% in intervention group; (2) 50% reduction in asthma-related ED visits; (3) Culturally tailored education more effective than standard approach.
Consider CHW programs or similar support for families struggling with asthma medication adherence. Address social determinants and provide culturally appropriate education.
Popular Beliefs
Chocolate causes acne
What the evidence shows: The relationship between diet and acne is complex. Some studies suggest high-glycemic diets and dairy may worsen acne, but chocolate specifically has not been definitively proven to cause breakouts. Individual responses vary—advise patients to observe their own triggers.
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
Sleep Schedule Consistency and ADHD Symptoms: Intervention Study
This intervention study examined whether consistent sleep schedules improved ADHD symptoms in 150 children ages 6-12. Families implemented strict bed/wake times for 8 weeks while tracking symptoms and sleep.
Key findings: (1) Consistent sleep reduced inattention symptoms by 25%; (2) Bedtime resistance decreased significantly; (3) Effects comparable to some medication responses. Weekend sleep consistency was particularly important.
Before escalating ADHD treatment, optimize sleep hygiene. Consistent bed/wake times (including weekends) can meaningfully improve symptoms. This is a low-risk intervention all families can implement.
Genetics
Familial Hypercholesterolemia Screening in Childhood: Cascade Screening Effectiveness
Cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolemia starting in childhood identifies affected relatives and enables early statin therapy. Children identified through family screening had better outcomes than those diagnosed after cardiac events.
Key findings: (1) Each identified case led to 3 additional diagnoses in relatives; (2) Early statin therapy (age 8+) reduced lifetime cardiovascular risk; (3) Universal lipid screening at ages 9-11 complementary to cascade screening.
Take family history of premature heart disease seriously. Screen children in affected families by age 2. Universal lipid screening should occur at 9-11 years per AAP guidelines.