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From the President's Desk
How the College has been working for you and our nation's children this past month:
- We continue to welcome new members due to a successful marketing campaign.
- We've updated the College statement, Children Need Candidates to Support Their Best Interest.
- The College filed an Amicus Brief with Liberty Council in Florida to uphold that state's 24 hour waiting period prior to obtaining an abortion.
- The College is in process of filing an Amicus Brief with Liberty Council in Kentucky to uphold that state's late term abortion ban.
- The College will join in an Amicus Brief with the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons in support of the lawsuit against the Federal government brought by five states and the Christian Medical and Dental Associations' to overturn the HHS Gender Mandate.
- President Michelle Cretella and Vice President Quentin Van Meter continue to work extensively with attorneys involved in the North Carolina transgender litigation, as well as with attorneys and parent groups across the country who are battling the promotion of transgender ideology in schools.
- Dr. Cretella presented a CME lecture at the 73rd National meeting of the American Association of Physicians & Surgeons: Gender Dysphoria in Children: Science, Medical Ethics & Controversy
- Vice President Dr. Van Meter gave an interview with KFUO radio on Gender Dysphoria.
- The College staffed an exhibit booth at the National Meeting of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Attendees expressed appreciation for College position statements on the importance of family structure, as well as our statements on sexuality and gender.
- We've spoken out about proposed changes to the NIH Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research and the Proposed Scope of an NIH Steering Committee's Consideration of Certain Human-Animal Chimera Research. View the letter here.
- We've published some new patient handouts.
- We've submitted an article about the College's pro-life ethic for publication by the National Right to Life Committee.
- We've rallied members to contact AMA leadership and urge the AMA to continue to oppose physician assisted suicide.
- Dr. Cretella is also extensively involved in devising practical ways for health professionals to practice medicine in accordance with our moral conscience at a time when we are increasingly denied this Constitutional right.
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Best for Children Campaign - Update
"I just read your statement on gender identity in children. Please let me just say thank you. You are a voice of common sense and an oasis of truth in this confused, upside down society. Continue your courageous stance for truth."
-- Sandra G
The above email was just one of many the College has received in recent months. To-date we have
raised more than $12,000 during our annual BFC campaign.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed so generously! It takes funds to keep the message(s) of the College out front and center in an effort to protect our children, preserve our families and honor life. We still have a bit to go to
reach our goal of $20,000 and there's still time to get your tax deductible donation in before the end of year.
Thank you for your part in making a difference, and please feel free to pass this along to friends and family.
Here's how you can participate:
- Send a check payable to American College of Pediatricians, and mail to P.O. Box 357190, Gainesville, FL, 32635
- Use the green "Contribute Today" button on the homepage of the College website to make a donation by credit card. Some people find it helpful to make a sustaining donation on a regular basis automatically.
- Call Lisa in the College office at 352-376-1877 with your credit card details.
Remember, every contribution makes a difference.
"Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think."
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Michelle Cretella, MD, FCP
President
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*
Patient Handout Reminder
*
The Member Hub, the members' section of the website,
includes patient handouts shared by other ACPeds practitioners, some of which may be helpful to your own patients and practice. Contact the office to get the username and password for access to the
Member Hub.
In addition, ACPeds offers a variety of
patient handouts available for download free of charge in the
Health Professionals section of the ACPeds website. If
you have a display unit for handouts in your office, these statements are also available in a Title on Top (version). Contact the office to have a Title on Top version sent to you. Both are available on the "
Handouts
" page.
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Start Saving at Our Online Store Now
ACPeds has contracted with a manufacturer to create on demand logo merchandise, high in quality without sacrificing affordability. These items are great for personal use as well as for gifts. Shop around on the ACPeds website at
ACPeds.org/health-professionals
/the-college-
store
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October at a Glance
The month of October is recognized as
Articles regarding the following are featured in our newsletter below
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2017 National Meeting of the American College of Pediatricians
(in conjunction with the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians & Gynecologists)
Mark your calendar:
September 30 and October 1, 2017
The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, Trinity International University
Deerfield, Illinois
**Details coming soon**
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Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.
- Kay Redfield Jamison, a clinical psychologist and writer
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Millennials waiting for sex, want to hear about sex from parents
A recent
study reveals that more Millennials, those born in the 1990s in particular, are
choosing to delay sex in young adulthood. In an analysis of Americans aged 20 to 24 from the 20s thru the 90s,
researchers
found that those born in the 90s were the most likely to report sexual inactivity.
Even the CDC reports that almost 60% of US high schoolers have not had sex.
Contrary to the popular idea that teen sexual behavior is especially influenced by the media, a recent study found only a weak link between media and teen sexual behavior. Parents and peers were found to have a much greater influence on teens' sexual behavior with the exception of at-risk kids who lacked these sources of information.
Although parents often believe that what they say to their children about sex goes in one ear and out the other, the truth is that children value the information they receive about sex, love and marriage from their parents.
Click here for more information about talking to your kids about sex.
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Two adolescents invoke right to die; both lives end just last month
Two years ago Belgium removed the age restriction on its Euthanasia law. Last month, for the first time since the restriction was removed, a child's life was ended with parental permission and the help of a physician.
Also known as assisted suicide, euthanasia is illegal in most US states although mentally capable adults and minors (with parental consent) can choose to forgo medical care in favor of ending their lives. Suffering from Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a Wisconsion 14 year old decided to end treatment and live her final days in hospice. She died just a few weeks ago.
In an article titled, "Medical Ethics in Pediatrics," ACPeds member Dr. Felipe Vizcarrondo writes about her choice and the ethics behind her decision. Please click here to read the article.
"
The killing of infants and children can never be endorsed by the American College of Pediatricians and should never be endorsed by any other ethical medical or social entity
."
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**Featured Resource of the Month - Updated Position Statement**
Election Day is right around the corner and it is of critical importance that politicians and policymakers prioritize the health and well-being of our nation's children.
"When political candidates, and ultimately legislators and leaders, ignore the needs of children, society suffers and these consequences are felt for generations to come."
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Most parents put babies to sleep the wrong way, increasing SIDS risk
According to the
CDC, about
3,500 U.S. infants still succumb to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) each year.
Since the 1990s, doctors and public health experts have encouraged parents to put infants to sleep on their backs and keep soft bedding out of the crib.
The video on the right depicts the proper way for babies to put to sleep and offers helpful reminders to parents. View the handout Helping Your Baby Sleep Safely for additional information.
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Special Interest News, Articles and Studies
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Autism Update: Risk factors, diagnostic tools & DSM-V changes
According to the CDC, about 1 in 68 US children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by impairments in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior.
I n recent news, researchers from John Hopkins University found that children born to obese women with diabetes are more than four times as likely to be diagnosed with ASD than children of healthy weight mothers without diabetes.
In another study, researchers found that the risk of younger siblings developing an autism spectrum disorder is 14 times higher if an older sibling has ASD.
M-CHAT, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers is a new tool that has recently replaced the original Checklist for Autism in Toddlers. In addition, the DSM-V changed its guidelines for diagnosing ASD in children to not only encourage earlier diagnosis of ASD but to also improve treatment plans for pediatric patients.
For more information on ASD and tips for parents, you can visit the following pages:
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It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.
- Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist and writer
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Technology & Mental Health: Research & Tips for Parents
Cyberbullying
In recent news, the American Sociological Association found that youth cyberbullying is 7 times more likely to occur between current and former friends and dating partners than between adolescents who had neither been friends nor dating partners. In addition, girls and LGBTQ youth were more likely to be cyberbullied than boys and heterosexual youth.
Body Dissatisfaction & Low Self-Esteem In a study published by the American Psychological Association, researchers found that being actively involved with a dating/hook-up app marketed to young people called Tinder was associated with body dissatisfaction, body shame, body monitoring, internalization of societal expectations of beauty, comparing oneself physically to others, and reliance on media for information on appearance and attractiveness, regardless of gender.
Psychological Distress, Screen Time & Virtual Violence In yet another study on the potential harmful effects of internet and mobile technology use on adolescent mental health, researchers found a positive correlation between the increase in adolescent psychological distress and the increase in screen time, social media use and problem gaming. In a recent statement, the AAP declared that decades of research and hundreds of studies have proven a strong association between screen violence and real-world aggression.
Advice for Parents Prolonged periods of time watching TV and sitting in front of the computer browsing the web can negatively impact mental health and physical health in people of all ages. According to a recent study, parents can play a key role in setting healthy habits for kids by limiting their own use of technology and leading by example.
Check out the following links for more information on adolescent media use, mental health and expert tips for parents.
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Attention Members
-
The College board of directors will gather to discuss College business in Atlanta, Georgia, on
October 14 and 15. Members are always welcome to join in this meeting. If you are interested to participate in some or all of the meeting, please contact Lisa in the office at
admin@acpeds.org or call 352-376-1877 to get further details and have a spot held for you
.
- Be sure to log into the Members' section on the www.acpeds.org website and check out the Bulletin Board in the Member Hub, to see the newest job postings.
*You'll need to know your username and password to log onto the members' section.
If you don't know your log-on information, please call the office for help. You may also request to be sent an email with information about these various positions. Contact the ACPeds office at
admin@acpeds.org
.
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The Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons Welcomes Submissions
The Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons is the official peer-reviewed journal of the American Association of Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS). Dr. Jane Orient, Executive Director of the AAPS, is pleased to consider original papers, commentaries and book reviews by members of the College. For manuscript requirements and author instructions, visit
http://jpands.org/.
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Stay Connected
If you like what you see in the newsletter, please visit our social media pages. ACPeds likes to encourage its members to get to know one another and to stay connected. Like ACPeds on Facebook and follow on Twitter to interact with members and to stay up to date with the College's latest news. Every week the College publishes a new blog on its website and a link to the blog is posted on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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