Family Dinners May Help Reduce Cyberbullying’s Harmful Effects in Teens

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Teens who are victims of cyberbullying are more likely to have mental health and substance use problems, while regular family dinners appear to moderate these negative health effects, a JAMA Pediatrics study suggests.

Roughly 19,000 students aged 12 to 18 completed surveys about cyberbullying and family dinners, a proxy for family communication. Teens who said they were often cyberbullied had two to five times the risk for mental health and substance use problems as those who were never cyberbullied.

– See more at: http://www.jwatch.org/fw109239/2014/09/02/family-dinners-may-help-reduce-cyberbullyings-harmful?query=pfwRS#sthash.3L7XO1Hy.dpuf

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

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ribbon

Photo credit: Kisses for Cami

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, designed to bring awareness to the need for additional funding and research to help find a cure for childhood cancer. There are many ways to support this important cause.

Learn

Many websites offer more information on childhood cancer statistics and why there is such a strong need for more funding in this area. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer provides this helpful infographic on childhood cancer facts. The American Childhood Cancer Organization discusses the different types of childhood cancer and the treatment options for each.

Raise Awareness

Many cancer awareness programs have been created to help more people become involved in the fight against childhood cancer. Ways to participate include the Gold Ribbon Awareness program, Children’s Cancer Research Fund’s “Ways to Help” page, and CureSearch for Children’s Cancer’s “Be a Digital Advocate” campaign.

Donate

Every donation helps advance research on cures for childhood cancer. Options for donating include the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Helping Children Return to School After an Extended Absence

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Returning to school after an extended hospital stay or other illness-related absence can be stressful for children, particularly if they have just received a new medical diagnosis. Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City offers parents tips on helping ease a child’s transition back into the classroom.

Maintain Communication

Parents should remain in communication with school officials about their child’s condition and absences, as well as discussing these issues with the child. Let the school know if the child needs any special medication or other accommodations once they have returned to school.

Encourage Routine

With all the other changes happening, helping your child maintain a normal daily routine can help ease anxiety. Set certain times for homework and bedtime, and stick to those times every day when possible.

Develop a Coping Plan

Talk to your child about returning to school and any fears or concerns he might have. Together, work to develop coping ideas for situations that might come up, such as explaining an illness to curious classmates.

Read additional tips for parents and educators from Children’s Mercy Hospital.

The Challenges After Surviving a Childhood Disease

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For millions of teens and young adults, finding a doctor to treat them as they grow up is hard. The Wall Street Journal explores the issue of transitioning from a children’s hospital or pediatrician’s office to an adult care doctor after surviving a childhood disease such as cancer or cystic fibrosis.

Read the full article on The Wall Street Journal.

Customer Feedback

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Dr. DeLand is always excited to hear from her readers and is happy to share the following feedback from a fan:

“It is truly a great pleasure sending this message to you. I’m 45 years of age and was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 9. It has been my dream to publish a children’s book on epilepsy for some time now. Your book does exactly what I wish for mine to do, explain to both children and adults about the condition and calm their fears. I am pleased to know I am not alone.”

Learn more about The Great Katie Kate Explains Epilepsy