Below is a news release on several educational presentations to be given at the 2009 National Conference and Exhibition (NCE) of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in Washington, DC. See descriptions below for times and room locations.

For Release: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009
9 a.m. (ET)

WASHINGTON, DC - If you cover children’s health, certain issues cross your desk on a regular basis. The National Conference and Exhibition (NCE) of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers health journalists a chance to get up to speed on breastfeeding, obesity, product safety, autism and other issues. Journalists can hear discussions of the latest research and how it affects pediatricians and their patients. Below are descriptions of several educational sessions that offer news angles and background materials for journalists.

H1047 Section on Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Program: All You Want to Know About Pediatric Obesity
9 a.m. to 12 noon (ET), Saturday, October 17
Location: Room 207B, Washington Convention Center

Obesity is now the most common chronic disease of childhood. At 9 a.m., William Cochran, MD, FAAP, will discuss prevention of obesity starting from pre-conception through adulthood. At 9:45 a.m., Sandra Hassink, MD, FAAP, will review the co-morbidities associated with obesity, including cardiovascular problems, diabetes, asthma and reflux. At 10:30 a.m., Nancy Krebs, MD, FAAP, will discuss lifestyle changes, nutrition, physical activity, fad diets and medications. At 11:15 a.m., Tom Inge, MD, FAAP, will review when bariatric surgery is indicated and the relevant research.

H2021 Section on Breastfeeding Program: Controversies in Breastfeeding
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET), Sunday, October 18
Location: Congressional Hall A, Renaissance Hotel

Experts in the field of breastfeeding will address controversial topics and review significant literature. Highlights include a talk at 11:45 a.m. by Debra Bogen, MD, FAAP, who will lead an evidenced-based discussion on whether mothers who use meth or marijuana, or consume alcohol, should breastfeed. At 12:30 p.m., a point/counterpoint discussion between Susan Landers, MD, and Rachel Moon, MD, FAAP, will take on the issue of co-sleeping. At 3:50 p.m., Linda Chaudron, MD, discusses the science of breastfeeding and depression, including whether difficulty breastfeeding can lead to depression, the mood-enhancing effects of breastfeeding, and whether mothers taking antidepressants can still breastfeed. At 4:35 p.m., Richard Schanler, MD, FAAP, will review the most significant studies on breastfeeding published in the past six months. And at 5:20 p.m., Lori Feldman-Winter, MD, FAAP, will discuss the claims formula companies make about their products, including the ingredients in formula and how they compare to breast milk.

H3014 Council on Community Pediatrics Program: Childhood Obesity: Successful Community Approaches for Prevention and Treatment
8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. (ET), Monday, October 19
Location: Grand Hyatt Hotel, Constitution Ballroom D-E

Preventing obesity requires a collaborative, community approach. Morning speakers, including William Dietz, MD, PhD, FAAP, and Sandra Hassink, MD, FAAP, will discuss how pediatricians can work with parents and communities to treat obesity. An afternoon highlight is a panel discussion from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. with two Washington, DC, pediatricians who have implemented successful community-based programs. Nicole Lang, MD, FAAP, and Danielle Dooley, MD, MPhil, FAAP, plan to bring patients to speak at the session.

H3019 Section on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention Program
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET), Monday, October 19
Location: Renaissance Washington DC Hotel, Congressional Ballroom A-B

A day-long program highlights developments in pediatric injury prevention, including a keynote address at 8 a.m. by Martin Eichelberger, MD, founder of Safe Kids Worldwide. Scientific abstract sessions featuring innovative research and programs begin at 9 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Contact the AAP Department of Communications for a detailed schedule.

S3042 Controversies in the Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Autism Spectrum Disorders
8:30 to 10 a.m. (ET), Monday, October 19
Repeated at 2 to 3:30 p.m. (ET), Monday, October 19
Location: Room 144 A-B, Washington Convention Center

Thomas Challman, MD, FAAP, will review the major controversies surrounding autism, including prevalence and the accuracy of diagnoses. Dr. Challman will address the etiology of autism, including environmental factors, vaccines and genetics. He will also discuss treatment, including supplements, diets, chelation, hyperbaric oxygen, antimicrobials and other complementary and alternative medicine.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.