AAP Department of Communications Contact: Debbie Linchesky, 847-434-7084, or Mindy Weinstein, 847-434-7131.

(Please do not reply directly to this e-mail, as you will not receive a response. Contact Debbie Linchesky at dlinchesky@aap.org or Mindy Weinstein at mweinstein@aap.org if you have questions about the contents of this mailing.)

Information in this mailing is embargoed for release: Monday, May 7, 12:01 am ET. PLEASE RESPECT THE EMBARGO DATE

In this mailing:

The Table of Contents (TOC) from the May issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and Pediatrics electronic pages, the Internet extension of Pediatrics. These are available electronically and can be viewed at:

Current issue TOC:
http://www.pediatrics.org/current.shtml
Future issue TOC:
http://www.pediatrics.org/future.shtml

Also in this mailing:
1. Portioning, Slower Eating Rate Does Not Lower Fast Food Calorie Intake
2. Striking Number of Young Children Have TVs in Their Bedroom
3. Movies Expose Youth to Billions of Smoking Images
4. Delinquent Youth Likely to Continue High-Risk Behavior for HIV/STDs
5. Mothers of Autistic Children Show Remarkable Strengths
6. Medicaid Cuts Would Strain Hospital, Community Health Resources
7. AAP Report Outlines Dangers, Symptoms of Inhalant Abuse
8. Children With Disabilities Face Greater Risk of Abuse (AAP clinical report)
9. AAP Report Helps Pediatricians Recognize Rare Form of Child Abuse
10. American and Egyptian Pediatricians Establish Pediatric Training Center in Cairo
11. Emergency Medical Services Week
12. Childhood Depression Awareness/Mental Health Month
13. National Dog Bite Prevention Week
14. Summer Safety Tips

SAVE THE DATE: PEDIATRIC ACADEMIC SOCIETIES MEETING
The annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) is May 5 - 8 in Toronto. The state of children’s health will be the focus of more than 3,000 presentations to nearly 6,000 leaders in pediatric research, advocacy and patient care from around the world. The conference is co-sponsored by the members of the PAS: American Pediatric Society, Society for Pediatric Research, Ambulatory Pediatric Association and American Academy of Pediatrics. Several pediatric specialty organizations will be holding their annual meetings in conjunction with the conference. For more information, go to http://www.pas-meeting.org/ For press passes, contact Debbie Linchesky at 847-434-7084, dlinchesky@aap.org

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Below are news releases and briefs on articles appearing in the May issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). To receive the full text of these articles, contact the AAP Department of Communications. The embargo date for all information in this mailing is Monday, May 7, at 12:01 am ET.

AAP Contact: Debbie Linchesky, 847-434-7084, dlinchesky@aap.org or Mindy Weinstein, 847-434-7131, mweinstein@aap.org

Note: Please attribute the source as the journal, Pediatrics when covering the following studies.

1. PORTIONING, SLOWER EATING RATE DOES NOT LOWER FAST FOOD CALORIE INTAKE
Eating smaller portions of fast food, at a slower rate, does not lower calorie (energy) intake, according to a new study. “Altering Portion Sizes and Eating Rate to Attenuate Gorging During a Fast Food Meal: Effects on Energy Intake,” assessed the calorie intake of 18 adolescents, age 13 to 17, during a meal of chicken nuggets, french fries and cola. Each adolescent received the same amount of food and beverage in one of three ways - in a single serving at one time, four small servings at one time, or four small servings presented at 15-minute intervals. Regardless of the portion size or eating rate, each participant consumed approximately 50 percent of his or her daily energy needs during the meal. The findings suggested that nutritional factors inherent to fast food, including low levels of dietary fiber, and high fat, sugar and glycemic content, promoted excess energy intake. And while portion control efforts should continue, fundamental improvements in fast food nutritional quality may be needed to prevent obesity.

[Embargoed until Monday, May 7, at 12:01 am ET.]

2. STRIKING NUMBER OF YOUNG CHILDREN HAVE TVS IN THEIR BEDROOM

Seventy-five percent of young children (age 0 to 6) watch television each day, often from their own bedrooms. The study, “Digital Childhood: Electronic Media and Technology Use Among Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers,” found that one-fifth of U.S. children age 0 to 2, and more than one-third of 3- to 6-year-olds, had a television in their bedroom. Study authors surveyed 1,051 parents about household media and technology ownership, access and use, and adherence to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommendations that children under age 2 not view television or other electronic media, and that older children be limited to just two hours of media exposure each day. On average, young children watched one hour and 20 minutes of television each day, including videos and DVDs, and nearly one-third (27 percent) of 3- to 6-year-olds used a computer for approximately 50 minutes. The study found that nearly 70 percent of children under age two watched television, in spite of the AAP media viewing guidelines. However, 56 percent of 3- and 4-year-olds and 70 percent of 5- and 6-year-olds limited television/media viewing to the recommended maximum of two hours.

[Embargoed until Monday, May 7, at 12:01 am ET.]

3. MOVIES EXPOSE YOUTH TO BILLIONS OF SMOKING IMAGES

Adolescents are bombarded with billions of smoking images in the movies, according to the new study, “Exposure to Movie Smoking Among US Adolescents Aged 10 to 14 Years: A Population Estimate.” Study authors found 3,830 total smoking occurrences in 534 contemporary box-office hits (74 percent contained smoking) rated PG-13 and R. They then asked 6,522 adolescents, age 10 to 14, whether they had seen these particular movies. Overall, these movies delivered 13.9 billion gross smoking impressions, an average of 665 for each U.S. adolescent in this age group. Thirty popular movies each delivered more than 100 million gross smoking impressions each. Removing smoking from youth-rated films would eliminate 60 percent of the exposure. In addition, of over 3,000 actors starring in these movies, some 500 smoked, 30 of whom delivered more than one-quarter of the smoking impressions.

[Embargoed until Monday, May 7, at 12:01 am ET.]

4. DELINQUENT YOUTH LIKELY TO CONTINUE HIGH-RISK BEHAVIOR FOR HIV/STDs

Youth involved in the juvenile justice system continued to engage in high-risk behavior for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as they aged, according to a new study. Approximately 800 juvenile detainees, aged 10 to 18 in Cook County, Illinois, were interviewed about their high-risk drug and sex behaviors, and then re-interviewed three years later for the study, “A Longitudinal Study of the Prevalence, Development, and Persistence of HIV/Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk Behaviors in Delinquent Youth: Implications for Health Care in the Community.” Of the youth who reported 10 or more high-risk behaviors at the first interview, including unprotected sex, sex with a high-risk partner, sex with multiple partners, intravenous drug use, and alcohol and/or marijuana use, more than two-thirds continued to report 10 or more high-risk behaviors at the follow-up interview. Males were more likely than females to persist in having sex with multiple partners, and sex while drunk or high. Females were more likely to begin using injection drugs, and to have receptive anal sex. Because most detained youth return to their communities, the study urges additional research to explore the causes of high-risk behavior, to ultimately reduce the spread of HIV and STDs.

[Embargoed until Monday, May 7, at 12:01 am ET.]

5. MOTHERS OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN SHOW REMARKABLE STRENGTHS

A new study found that although mothers of children with autism were more likely to report being stressed and in “poor” or “fair” mental health, they had a closer relationship with their child, better parent coping skills, and less anger than mothers of non-autistic children. Study authors of “Psychological Functioning and Coping Among Mothers of Children With Autism: A Population-Based Study” reviewed results from the 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health in which mothers of 61,772 children, including 364 children with autism, were interviewed on their physical and mental health status, parent-child relationships, social support and household stability. The mothers of autistic children exhibited remarkable strengths in coping, parent-child relationship and psychological functioning. The report concluded that these families used successful strategies to maintain family stability despite greater stress and poorer mental health.

[Embargoed until Monday, May 7, at 12:01 am ET.]

6. MEDICAID CUTS WOULD STRAIN HOSPITAL, COMMUNITY HEALTH RESOURCES

Medicaid program changes that result in the disenrollment of children from public health insurance programs would significantly increase the number of uncompensated emergency department visits and hospital stays, as well as the total community cost of providing health care. “Impact of Medicaid Disenrollment on Health Care Use and Cost,” reviewed health care transactions in the Phoenix metropolitan area in 2004 for more than 43,000 uninsured children, and 168,722 children insured by Medicaid/State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The study authors estimated that a 10 percent disenrollment of children insured by SCHIP would increase community health costs by $3,460,398 each year, or $2,121 per child. The increased expenses primarily were due to a shift from physician office to emergency department care. Such changes not only would increase overall community health care costs, but also would worsen emergency department overcrowding and hospital bed shortages.

[Embargoed until Monday, May 7, at 12:01 am ET.]

7. AAP REPORT OUTLINES DANGERS, SYMPTOMS OF INHALANT ABUSE
Inhalant abuse is a potentially deadly, yet often under-recognized form of substance abuse, occurring in all demographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. A new American Academy of Pediatric (AAP) clinical report, “Inhalant Abuse,” outlines the types of chemicals and common household products inhaled by approximately 11 percent of children and adolescents (as young as age 5 or 6) and possible effects, including sudden death. Signs and symptoms of inhalant abuse are often hard to detect. However, changes in adolescent behavior, including apathy, listlessness, poor appetite; a significant shift in friends or activities; disinterest in school; poor hygiene; fatigue; sinus/nasal problems; and depression and/or paranoia may be signs of inhalant abuse. The report recommends that pediatricians familiarize themselves with inhalant abuse, including local and regional trends, and help educate children, parents, educators, media, and vendors of volatile substances on the risks of inhalant use. Pediatricians also need to know what resources are available so that children and families can get appropriate treatment and/or therapy to curtail inhalant abuse as soon as possible.

[Embargoed until Monday, May 7, at 12:01 am ET.]

8. CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES FACE GREATER RISK OF ABUSE

The revised American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical report “Maltreatment of Children With Disabilities,” urges pediatricians to be especially alert to the signs or symptoms of abuse in children with disabilities. These children - diagnosed with mental retardation, emotional disturbance, visual impairment, learning or physical disabilities, behavioral and/or medical problems - accounted for at least 7.3 percent of the 872,000 reported child abuse victims in 2004. Children with disabilities face a greater risk of abuse, as they often place higher emotional, physical, economic, and social demands on their families and caregivers. This may be difficult as some children may be unable to verbalize their abuse, or understand that what took place was wrong. Pediatricians also should be aware that some child disabilities may cause injury or mimic abuse. If abuse is suspected after careful assessment, the pediatrician should immediately submit a report to the appropriate child protective service agency. Any child suspected of maltreatment should be evaluated for developmental, physical and mental health disabilities, and pediatricians should remain actively involved in the treatment of any abused or neglected child.

[Embargoed until Monday, May 7, at 12:01 am ET.]

9. AAP REPORT TO HELP PEDIATRICIANS RECOGNIZE RARE FORM OF CHILD ABUSE

A new American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical report outlines the rare, yet insidious type of child abuse known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, in which parents and caregivers either inflict or fabricate pediatric illness or injury, resulting in unnecessary tests, medication, and even death. The report, “Beyond Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: Identification and Treatment of Child Abuse in a Medical Setting,” urges pediatricians to ask three questions when faced with unexplainable symptoms and/or treatment failures: Are the history, signs and symptoms of disease credible? Is the child receiving unnecessary and harmful or potentially harmful medical care? If so, who is instigating the evaluations and treatment? In suspected cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, pediatricians should protect and prevent further harm to the child, and solicit assistance from child abuse experts.

[Embargoed until Monday, May 7, at 12:01 am ET.]

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10.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AAP Contact: Debbie Linchesky, 847-434-7084, dlinchesky@aap.org

AMERICAN AND EGYPTIAN PEDIATRICIANS ESTABLISH PEDIATRIC TRAINING CENTER IN CAIRO

CHICAGO - The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Egyptian Pediatric Society (EPS) have reached an agreement to develop a new Academic Educational and Training Center located in Cairo, Egypt. The facility will promote optimal health care for children and provide resources and education for pediatricians to help support the growth and development of children in Arabic-speaking countries throughout the Middle East and Africa.

The AAP will work closely with the EPS to further the development of pediatric training courses, products, and materials. Both organizations will work collaboratively to enable parents to actively participate in fostering child health and empower them to carry on an educational role needed for early healthy childhood development.

Additional child health practices within the partnership of both organizations include:

· The promotion and importance of breastfeeding and supporting the rights of nursing mothers.
· The organization and promotion of programs and education supporting early childhood development.
· Disaster services training for pediatricians in planning for and responding to natural and man-made disasters.
· Improving the standards of immunization programs for the pediatric age group.
· The collaboration in annual educational conferences to advance pediatric knowledge.
· The sharing of medical journals, publications, Web-based resources and updated information to prepare pediatricians to meet the future needs of children.

Jay E. Berkelhamer, MD, FAAP, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, stated, “The AAP is committed to providing pediatricians and parents the child health resources they need when faced with specific pediatric health issues. It is important for all pediatricians to be prepared and educated in order to attain the physical, mental, and social health and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. We are pleased to partner with the EPS in this project and look forward to making a difference in the lives of children throughout the Middle East and Africa.”

Dr. Hussein Kamel Bahaa El-Din, President of the Egyptian Pediatric Society, said, “I offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This partnership will benefit our most important resource - the children. Young children who

are well nurtured and taken care of in their earliest years are more likely to grow healthy and strong, have less disease and illness, and fully develop thinking, language, behavioral and social skills and building up their brainpower. Our goal is to ensure every child will get the health care they need and deserve to achieve their optimum potential.”

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.

The Egyptian Pediatric Society, founded in 1933, has been actively involved in scientific, social and advocacy activities targeting better pediatric services, health promotion and training on national, regional (Arab African) and international levels.

END
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11. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) WEEK
May 14-20 marks this year’s annual effort to bring together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety, as well as honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of the medical “front line.” AAP is a partner in this effort that also has designated May 17 as Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) day. This day during EMS week focuses on drawing national attention to children's specialized emergency care needs to ensure that every child in the nation receives the highest quality emergency care possible-from primary prevention to acute care and rehabilitation. For more information, visit http://www.acep.org/emsweek

12. CHILDHOOD DEPRESSION AWARENESS/MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
Mental disorders in children are just as real, common, and treatable as they are in adults. In fact, depression alone affects as many as one in 33 children and one in eight teens. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is committed to helping provide mental health services to children and their families. The AAP’s Task Force on Mental Health is developing tools to help identify children with mental health issues early, so that they can receive guidance and treatment. The AAP also received funding from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau for the Improving Mental Health in Primary Care Through Access, Collaboration, and Training (IMPACT) program, which helps to support the work of the task force in an effort to improve children's mental health by offering pediatricians and other primary care professionals the tools and support they need to provide community-based, collaborative care. In May, Mental Health America, formerly known as the National Mental Health Association, will sponsor Mental Health Month, and on May 4th, the focus is on childhood depression awareness. On May 8, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is joining their founding national partners in organizing a Capitol Hill briefing in honor of Mental Health Awareness Day.

For more information:
AAP Task Force on Mental Health and IMPACT: http://www.aap.org/mentalhealth
Mental Health America: http://www.nmha.org/go/may/
Mental Health Awareness Day activities: http://www.systemsofcare.samhsa.gov/nationalawareness/materials.aspx.

13. NATIONAL DOG BITE PREVENTION WEEK
Every year, dogs bite more than 4.7 million Americans, with more than half of all victims younger than age 14. Of those children, 150,000 are injured seriously enough to require treatment in the emergency department. The AAP supports National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 20 - 26, to educate Americans about how to stay safe around dogs. For more information, visit http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/dogbite.pdf

14. SUMMER SAFETY TIPS - PART 1
Warm weather is finally here in many parts of the country. To promote a healthy, happy summer for children, the AAP is offering tips for parents on keeping outdoor activities safe. The tips cover topics such as heat stress in exercising children, pool safety, “fun in the sun” and skateboard and scooter safety. The Summer Safety Tips in English and Spanish can be found at http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/summertips.htm

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The FAAP designation following a pediatrician's name stands for Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatricians with a FAAP designation have obtained board certification in pediatrics and made an ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and advocacy for children.

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