July 19, 2019
Here is a quick look at some headlines from this week impacting the lives of kids 0-5 and their families. The purpose of these stories is simply to inform, and they do not necessarily reflect First 5 Kern's areas of support or efforts towards these issues.

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Now for the headlines........
HEART DEFECTS LINKED TO INTENSE OIL PRODUCTION PROXIMITY?

An article in the Houston Chronicle details results from a study that found m others who live near intense oil and gas development activity face a higher chance of having children with heart defects. They cited "between a 40 to 70 percent higher chance of having congenital heart defects" for those children, in comparison to those whose mothers lived in areas with less intense oil and gas activity .

NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EARLIER POSTPARTUM VISITS

In an effort to put a bit of a restructuring on postpartum care, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are now recommending moms have their first appointment three weeks after giving birth , instead of waiting over a month. The new guidelines takes into account trying to address concerns such as postpartum depression and breastfeeding issues earlier, to better provide for the baby and mother.
KINDERGARTEN TROUBLEMAKERS MAY EARN LESS AS ADULTS

Did you get into trouble a lot as a kindergartner? If so, according this study out of Quebec, Canada , you are more likely to have a lower income as an adult . The researchers factor in self-controlling behaviors, but also suggest that techniques for improving attentiveness - like increasing physical activity at school - could lead to better performance in the classroom at key stages of development.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO SUSTAIN PRESCHOOL GAINS

Researchers say preschool can give kids from low-income families a boost. Those benefits don't always make it through the transition to kindergarten, but there's a lot parents can do to help. This feature from NPR dives in.

ALSO FROM NPR: Call it "cry-it-out" if you must, but sleep is an important issue - both for parents and for their newborns. This feature talks about the science behind sleep training , some gentler approaches, and how what works for one family may not work for everyone.
STUDY FINDS NO DANGER IN FLU SHOTS WHILE PREGNANT


A new study North of the border suggests it's safe for both baby and mom when mom gets gets her flu shot during pregnancy . Researchers monitored the health outcomes of 104,000 children born in Ontario, Canada, during the swine flu scare between November 2009 and October 2010 and found no negative health impacts . “This is really important because we know that getting the flu shot in pregnancy reduces the women’s chance of getting the flu—and they’re a high-risk group," said the author of the study.
ADDITIONAL STORIES FROM THIS WEEK...


Child care has been a hot topic for those out on the campaign trail right now, but how realistic are their promises? The Hechinger Report - a website which covers education issues - dives into some of the early plans being proposed.

US News and World Report has compiled data on the affordability of child care throughout the country , and California ranks among the most expensive . The article breaks down child care costs, cost for hiring a nanny and percentage of household income that goes toward care for young children.

Citing rapid technology advances, the Federal Trade Commission has voted to seek public input on updating its regulations on the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) , which went into effect nearly 20 years ago. Also on the horizon is a settlement with YouTube from accusations that it allowed children's data to be collected in violation of the current rules.

Reportedly only a third of dentists in California serve Medi-Cal patients, who are among the poorest and most in need for critical services in our communities. That's why last week Governor Gavin Newsom rolled out an offer that over three dozen dentists couldn't refuse .
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...about First 5 Kern
First 5 Kern was established in 1998 when California voters passed Proposition 10, which levied a 50-cent tax on tobacco products. Revenues generated from the tobacco tax are used to fund local programs in the areas of health and wellness, early childcare and education, and parent education and support services that promote early childhood development for children ages zero to five.

For more information on First 5 Kern and the agencies we support, please visit www.First5Kern.org   and follow us on social media.
Special thanks to Vecteezy for assistance on graphics