Kids' Health E-Newsletter

New from CDC

Antibiotics Aren't Always the Answer
Antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses like colds, most sore throats and bronchitis, and some ear infections. Unneeded antibiotics may lead to future antibiotic-resistant infections. Symptom relief might be the best treatment option.
Provider Resources for Vaccine Conversations with Parents
Making time to talk with parents about vaccines during the well-child visit may be challenging. Here's some help: CDC, AAP, and AAFP created these materials to help you assess parents' needs, identify the role they want to play in making decisions for their child’s health, and then communicate in ways that meet their needs. These resources are collectively called Provider Resources for Vaccine Conversations with Parents.
Concussion in Winter Sports
Get prepared for concussions on and off the ice and slopes. Learn the symptoms and danger signs and keep an action plan on hand.
Engaged Parents Have Healthier Adolescents
Students whose parents are engaged in their school lives are more likely to practice healthy behaviors and succeed academically.
2011 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance: STDs in Adolescents and Young Adults
Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2011 presents statistics and trends for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States through 2011. This chapter focuses on STDS in adolescents and young adults. This annual publication is intended as a reference document for policy makers, program managers, health planners, researchers, and others who are concerned with the public health implications of these diseases.
National Surveillance of Asthma: United States, 2001-2010 (pdf)
The number of persons with asthma increased 2.9% each year, from 20.3 million persons in 2001 to 25.7 million persons in 2010. Of the 25.7 million, 7.0 million were children and 18.7 million were adults. Among children aged 0-17 years, current asthma prevalence increased at a rate of 1.4% per year.
STD Trends in the United States: 2011 National Data for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis (pdf)
STDs are a significant health challenge facing the United States. CDC estimates that 19 million new STD infections occur every year in this country, nearly half among young people ages 15-24.
Your Baby’s First Vaccines - What You Need to Know (pdf)
This Vaccine information Statement (VIS) sheet has been redesigned and updated. The main content change is to add intussusception as a rare adverse event for rotavirus. This VIS may be used as an optional substitute for any or all of the routine birth-6 month vaccine VISs. (DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV, Hepatitis B, and Rotavirus).
Making Health Easier: Healthy Changes Start in Preschool
The video highlights the efforts of one educational organization, Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP), to keep kids healthy at an early age. Childhood obesity now affects approximately one in six kids and disproportionately affects low-income and minority populations. LAUP teaches kids healthy habits and is incorporating small, healthy changes that can be made in any classroom-like teaching fun dances and providing nutritious snacks.
2013 Student Opportunities in Public Health
Whether you are looking for a summer internship or a year-long fellowship, these programs provide valuable exposure to a wide range of public health opportunities. Jump Start Your Future - Apply Today!
HIV Among Youth in the US, Vital Signs
About 50,000 people are infected with HIV each year, and 1 in 4 is 13 to 24 years old. Youth make up 7% of the more than 1 million people in the US living with HIV. About 12,000 youth were infected with HIV in 2010. The greatest number of infections occurred among gay and bisexual youth. Nearly half of all new infections among youth occur in African American males.
Vital Signs: HIV Infection, Testing, and Risk Behaviors Among Youths - United States
Prevalence of diagnosed HIV was 69.5 per 100,000 youths at the end of 2009. Youths accounted for 12,200 (25.7%) new HIV infections in 2010. Of these, 7,000 (57.4%) were among blacks/African Americans, 2,390 (19.6%) among Hispanics/Latinos, and 2,380 (19.5%) among whites; 8,800 (72.1%) were attributed to male-to-male sexual contact.
PCD Accepting Submissions for 2013 Student Research Paper Contest
Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) announces its 2013 Student Research Paper Contest. PCD is looking for graduate and undergraduate students to submit papers relevant to the prevention, screening, surveillance, and/or population-based intervention of chronic diseases, including but not limited to arthritis, asthma, cancer, depression, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Papers must be received electronically no later than 5:00 PM EST on January 23, 2013.
Suffocation Deaths Associated with Use of Infant Sleep Positioners - United States, 1997-2011
When providing guidance for parents of newborns, health-care providers need to emphasize the importance of placing infants to sleep on their backs in a safe sleep environment. This includes reminders about the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations against side sleep position, ISPs and pillows, comforters, and other soft bedding.
Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit
The Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit (November 2012) is a comprehensive resource for providers on vaccine storage and handling recommendations and best practice strategies. It includes considerations for equipment both storage units and thermometers, strategies for maintaining the cold chain, routine storage and handling practices, inventory management and emergency procedures for protecting vaccine inventories.
Helping Parents Cope With Disaster
Anyone who is a parent knows how hard it can be to raise a child. Add a stressful situation, like a natural disaster or other emergencies, and a difficult job gets even harder. When disasters happen, it is important to remember the health and well-being of yourself and your children. If you are prepared for potential disasters, you can be more confident in your ability to keep your family safe, and your children are likely to handle the disaster better as well.
Chickenpox Can Be Serious: Protect Your Child
Most children with chickenpox completely recover. But it can be serious, even fatal, for babies, adolescents, and adults. Be proactive. Get vaccinated if you are not protected against chickenpox

This service is provided by the CDC/ATSDR Office of Women's Health. Email comments or suggestions to owh@cdc.gov.

Other Federal

Voices From the Field: Findings From the National Girls Institute Listening Sessions (Dept of Justice)
Families with Children: The Top Five Things You Need to Know About the Affordable Care Act (HHS)
Young Adults: The Top Five Things You Need to Know About the Affordable Care Act (HHS)

National, State, Local

Multidisciplinary Guidelines for the Care of Late Preterm Infants (National Perinatal Association)
Child Labor in Agriculture (National Center for Farmworker Health, Inc.)
Texas Launches New Campaign to Reduce Infant Deaths
Kentucky Program for First-Time Parents Helps Prevent Health Programs

Podcasts and E-Cards

CDC Health-e-Cards
Send an electronic greeting card to friends, family, and others to show you care about their health and safety. New e-cards are added frequently.