Below are releases on studies appearing in the November issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

For Release: Monday, October 12, 2009, 12:01 am (ET)

URBAN ‘CORNER STORES’ CAN CONTRIBUTE TO CHILD OBESITY

The easy availability of low-nutrition snacks may contribute to childhood obesity in minority and low-income communities. In the study, “Snacking in Children: The Role of Urban Corner Stores,” researchers conducted more than 800 interviews on children in grades 4 through 6, from 10 urban elementary schools in which half or more of the students receive free or reduced-price meals. The students were interviewed outside 24 corner convenience stores before and after school. The study found that the most frequently purchased items were high-calorie, low-nutrition foods such as chips, candy and sugar-sweetened beverages. On average, each student spent $1.07 for two food or beverage items, with almost 360 calories. The study authors recommend that nutrition and obesity prevention efforts address neighborhood convenience stores and their proximity to schools.

PEDIATRIC INTERVENTION COULD PREVENT POTENTIALLY FATAL AUTOEROTIC ASPHYXIATION

Voluntary asphyxiation among children, preteens and adolescents by hanging, or other oxygen-depriving action to enhance sexual arousal, is not uncommon and can lead to unintended death.  In the study, “Autoerotic Asphyxiation: Secret Pleasure – Lethal Outcome?” The author reviewed cases of both fatal and nonfatal child and teen autoerotic asphyxiation (AEA). The author then compiled a list of common characteristics, causes, risk factors and manifestations of AEA, a secretive behavior more common among boys than girls. The earliest manifestations of AEA include so-called “choking games.” The study encourages pediatricians to become familiar with the early signs of AEA so they can intercede before the practice becomes life-threatening.

IN-HOME AUDIO SELF-HYPNOSIS MAY REDUCE CHRONIC STOMACH PAIN

In a recent study, medical care along with home-administered guided imagery (self-hypnosis) successfully reduced abdominal pain in a majority of children. Chronic abdominal pain is a common complaint affecting up to 20 percent of children. In the study, “Audio-Recorded Guided Imagery Treatment Reduces Functional Abdominal Pain in Children: Pilot Study,” 34 children, ages 6 to 15 with a physician diagnosis of functional abdominal pain, were randomly assigned to receive two months of standard medical care with or without home-based guided imagery using audio and visual recordings. Sixty-three percent of the children who received guided imagery treatment reported 50 percent less stomach pain. The study authors recommend home-administered guided imagery as a safe, affordable treatment for chronic stomach pain.

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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.