Older Dads, Younger Kids
A National Book Award-winning author discusses his experience as a first-time dad at 56, and now as a 73-year old father with teenagers.
Medical Notes: Week of November 21, 2021
A new analysis in the journal JAMA Network Open finds that most insurance companies are no longer waiving co-pays and deductibles for Covid hospitalization. Plus, a study finds depression rates are even higher now than they were in 2020. 17% of four and five year-olds get put on medication when diagnosed with ADHD. And finally, teenage girls have been …
Medical Notes: Week of October 17, 2021
Research shows Covid vaccines have no effect on fertility and vaccinated mothers can pass along immunity to babies in the womb. A study shows the rules restricting how many passengers teen drivers can carry are working. Then, a new study says it's not just about how many steps you take per day, it matters how fast you walk. And finally, if the pandemic’s got …
Medical Notes: Week of January 12, 2020
Teenagers are vaping marijuana at rapidly rising rates. Then, a report on concussions and why they can produce lifelong effects. Then, another study confirming the importance of sleep. And finally, a new survey of ERs proves that smartphones make people run into things, triggering a spike in head and neck injuries.
Medical Notes: Week of January 5, 2020
Two experimental drugs that show promise in women with certain types of breast cancer. Then, the federal communications commission has started the process to create a three-digit number similar to 9-1-1 that connects to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Then, it appears that teenagers aren’t very good at telling the difference between real and fake …
Medical Notes: Week of September 8, 2019
A new study shows that people are more likely to have heart disease if they're genetically predisposed to insomnia. Then, vaping is being called a “gateway drug” for marijuana use… After a new study showing it can more than triple the risk of becoming a pot smoker. And finally… if you want toddlers to learn something, don’t use video.
The Economics of Later School Start Times
Thirty years of research has shown that teenagers’ biology prevents them from getting to sleep much before 11pm, and with most high schools starting classes around 8 am, they are chronically sleep deprived. Experts discuss how students and even the economy would benefit and why many school districts still oppose the change.
Weight Loss Surgery for Teenagers
The proportion of severely obese teenagers continues to rise. Doctors increasingly understand that only weight loss surgery is likely to help them lose weight and avoid health consequences of obesity. But teens are often held back until they’re so heavy that even bariatric surgery isn’t enough to return them to normal weight. Experts discuss.
Medical Notes: Week of March 31, 2019
A nasal spray to treat depression called Esketamine. Then, parent skills that can help navigate conflict with teens. Finally, fast food now accounts for 11% of the energy intake in the United States.
Why the Opposition to Later School Start Times?
The day at secondary schools begins around 8 am but research says biological sleep schedules of teens are about two hours behind the rest of the population. Even still opposition to starting the school day later remains.
Overwhelmed Teens
High achieving high schoolers are often pushed to do more and more creating a culture of pressure that has mental health consequences.
Bariatric Surgery in Teenagers
The proportion of severely obese teenagers continues to rise, but teens are often held back until even bariatric surgery isn’t enough to return them to normal weight.