|
AzAAP's Childhood Obesity Committee encourages the public to watch the HBO special, Weight of the Nation, which premieres tonight. Members of the Childhood Obesity Committee, who are all seasoned pediatricians, are available for interviews about the childhood obesity epidemic.
"Independence Day" - July 4, 2012 "Fireworks Safety Month"
Summary: Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks go hand-in-hand as a traditional rite of summer. Until 2011, Arizonans were only permitted to watch professional fireworks displays since personal fireworks were illegal to possess and discharge. With new legislation allowing certain types of consumer fireworks, Arizonans can now enjoy a limited number of these in many areas throughout the state. Each year some 9,000 people are injured by fireworks nationwide, with more than one quarter of these injuries occurring in children under 10 years of age and more than half suffered by those ages 19 and younger. One-third of injuries involve the face, head, eyes or ears and another one-third afflict the user's arms, hands or fingers. Adult supervision is critical when fireworks are used, and the selection of age-appropriate devices is an equally important consideration. Suggested angle(s): With the number of injuries that occur every year, helping parents understand how they can create a safe environment for their children, whether with use of fireworks or any other number of dangers the summertime brings, is important. Tips on how parents can immediately treat a burn or potential infection can help the medical professionals take over once the child is brought in for care. Considerations for eye sight protection and other safety precautions can help Arizonans keep their kids safe this 4th of July holiday and beyond. Potential interviews/locations: Pediatric health professionals and potential specialists in burns can provide tips and insights into how to select fireworks (or steer children away from their purchase) and how to help children enjoy them while remaining as safe and injury free as possible, and what immediate steps might need to be taken in the event of a burn or other emergency. "Parents' Day" - July 24, 2012 Summary: With an eye toward "recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children," the fourth Sunday of every July was designated by President Bill Clinton as "Parents' Day" in the U.S. The establishment of Parents' Day was the result of a bipartisan, multiracial and interfaith coalition of religious, civic and elected leaders who recognized the need to promote responsible parenting in our society and to uplift ideal parental role models, especially for our nation's children. Suggested angle(s): Reality is, parents are not really given a guidebook or instruction manual on children and parenting. Granted, there are dozens - perhaps hundreds - of books and videos available that attempt to provide authoritative information on how to raise a baby, toddler, school-age child or teen. How do parents - new and experienced alike - sift through this voluminous information to educate themselves on how to be the best parent they can be? How can new parents overcome the stress and anxiety of a newborn when it's the first time they have ever been faced with the challenges that come with them? What does it take to make an "ideal" parent? What are some tips for coping as a one-parent household? And, truly, at the end of the day, what do children really want and need from their parents? Potential interviews/locations: Although typically regarded as healthcare providers for children and teens, pediatric healthcare practitioners also serve as mentors and advisors on a myriad of issues regarding parenting. Interviews can be arranged at locations throughout Arizona covering topics specifically relating to Parents' Day and key parenting issues. These interviews could be supplemented with tips from your readers/viewers/listeners on the best parenting tips they've ever received. "UV Safety Month" Summary: Pediatric healthcare professionals join the American Academy of Ophthalmology in celebrating "UV Safety Month" in July It's a great time to spread the message of sun, fun and UV safety to your community. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. UV rays can also damage your eyes. Anyone can get skin cancer, but the risk is greatest for people with white or light-colored skin with freckles, blond or red hair and blue or green eyes. Nowhere else in the U.S. is this information more important than in Arizona. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released findings from a 2010 survey of 5,000 adults ages 18-29 that shows the incidence of sunburns have gone back up from a 2005 measurement, wiping out five years of progress shown previously. Suggested angle(s): With Greater Phoenix and Tucson both enjoying 85% sunny days, and Yuma boasting 90% sunshine, placing all three cities in the top five nationally, exposure to UV rays is a critical topic in Arizona. Even Flagstaff places among the nation's top 10 sunniest spots. UV exposure is particularly concerning for children and adolescents who are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV radiation. Excessive sun exposure during childhood is likely to contribute to skin cancer in later life. The mechanisms are unclear, but it may be that skin is more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV radiation during childhood. However, even though we live in one of the sunniest states in the U.S., steps can be taken to ensure that children and adolescents are protected from extreme exposure to these damaging rays. Potential interviews/locations: Pediatric healthcare professionals statewide can offer suggestions on how to avoid overexposure to the sun (such as sunscreen use, proper clothing and eyewear, times of the day to avoid exposure, etc.), as well as information on important steps to take if children are inadvertently exposed to too much sun. RELATED BACK-TO-SCHOOL TOPICS
"Immunization Awareness"
Summary: In some Arizona communities, the school year begins in August, while in others it continues all year long. And, although it seems like the summer break has just started, now is the time to make sure that children are prepared to return to school for the fall semester or whatever time of year they head back to the books. Suggested angle(s): Along with back to school shopping for the supply of pencils, pens and paper, Arizona students are required to provide proof of immunization* against such diseases as Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus and a host of other afflictions prior to being admitted to a public school. Parents need to plan ahead for their immunizations. AzAAP firmly believes in the need for vaccinations to prevent public health outbreaks as recently seen here in Arizona and in other parts of the country. From pertussis to mumps, the country is seeing a resurgence in certain outbreaks because a greater number of individuals are choosing to skip important life-saving immunizations. The Chapter can share specific insights on this issue that continues to confuse the public on the evidence-based information regarding the importance of vaccinations: Why are basic immunizations critical? What can happen if parents request an immunization exemption for their child? How does that affect the other children around them? What do parents need to know about how they can infect their own children? *In some cases an exemption to required immunizations may be granted but are typically not recommended by pediatric healthcare professionals. Potential interviews/locations: Arizona pediatric health professionals can discuss state and local immunization requirements and cite specific reasons why parents should ensure that their child's immunizations are current. The Chapter is also prepared to support key immunization initiatives in the 2013 legislative session. Sports Physicals Summary: Another key ingredient to starting the school year out on the best footing possible is to plan ahead for those students who will likely choose to participate in soccer, football, basketball or any other rigorous extracurricular activity. In most cases, an essential sports physical is required for any level of participation in these activities. Suggested angle(s): There has been quite a bit of chatter in the media about serious sports injuries occurring everywhere from the professional athletic arena to the middle school soccer field. One important element to assuring that students are at minimal risk to injury is to have a pediatric health care professional perform a physical examination that specifically looks for any issues that would warrant concern on the playing field. Find out what sports physicals entail and why they are required for young, healthy students to participate in sports activities. Potential interviews/locations: Arizona pediatric health professionals can discuss the necessity and procedures for sports physicals and the importance of planning and scheduling early to ensure that children and teens will be prepared to play. Additionally, the Chapter's childhood obesity committee can discuss the importance of activity in a child's daily life - throughout the summer and the school year. Chapter Leadership and the State of Pediatrics in Arizona Summary: The end of June is the Arizona Chapter's 35th Annual Pediatrics in the Red Rocks Conference bringing together pediatricians from through the state and beyond, as well as allied health professionals, to discuss issues relevant to the area of practice and to child health. At this time, the Arizona Chapter's leadership transitions from one board president to another. Suggested angle(s): A look at the state of Pediatrics and child health in Arizona is perfectly timed for just after this conference and with the new leadership at the AzAAP. Issues from child safety legislation, reimbursement challenges on vaccines, immunization exemptions, national school lunch program considerations here in Arizona, childhood obesity, literacy and a number of other issues can be discussed. Potential interviews/locations: Outgoing board chairman, Dr. Arturo Gonzalez, a Scottsdale-based pediatrician, and Dr. Dale Guthrie, an East Valley pediatrician, can support a lively discussion on the state of pediatrics. Additional board members and specialists from across the state can also be tapped. COMING UP FOR AUGUST "Back to School!" Topics - bullying, healthy eating, sleep habits, study habits, adjusting to a new school and more.
For more information on these issues or arranging an interview, please contact one of the following people: NOTE TO MEDIA: If you know of a colleague who could benefit from receiving these monthly advisories, please forward their contact information to Steve@inspiredconnections.net. Thank you. ### | 
