New study reveals US children have only been getting unhealthier
The research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that obesity rates for US children aged 2-19 rose from 17 per cent in 2007-2008 to approximately 21 per cent in 2021-2023.
US children in 2023 were 15 to 20 per cent more likely to have a chronic condition like anxiety or depression compared to 2011, with the annual prevalence of 97 chronic conditions increasing from 40 per cent to 46 per cent.
Alarmingly, American children were around 1.8 times more likely to die than children in other high-income countries between 2007 and 2022, with higher mortality from premature birth, sudden unexpected death, firearm incidents, and motor vehicle crashes.
Experts suggest that current policies, including cuts to federal health agencies and programmes, are unlikely to reverse this trend, with one author noting that the decline reflects broader societal issues.
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Telegraph
39 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Children are far better off playing in the sun than sitting in a stuffy classroom
The American social psychologist Dr Jonathan Haidt's bestselling book, The Anxious Generation, argues that the rise of smartphones and so-called helicopter parenting has led to a 'rewiring' of childhood and increased mental illness. Since the emergence of smart phones and social media, traditional play-based childhood activities like free play, outdoor exploration, and spontaneous social interactions have been reduced and replaced by structured activities and screen time. 'Overprotection in the real world and underprotection in the virtual world are the major reasons why children born after 1995 became the anxious generation,' he writes. Modern parents are largely to blame for this, not least if they restrict their children's freedom and independence in the real world while failing to adequately monitor and guide their online activities. But schools must also bear their shame of the blame. Nanny-state schooling – and an over-emphasis on emotional validation – has undermined individual responsibility and self-reliance in a generation of young people. This week, we learnt that some headteachers are banning children from playing outside during heatwaves. Pupils are being kept inside for 'hot play' breaks when their playgrounds are deemed to be 'too hot to use safely '. The move is apparently designed to keep children away from outdoor surfaces that can become very hot to touch in the sun. If it wasn't bad enough that schools keep children inside when it's raining, despite the Peppa Pig-esque delight they take in jumping in puddles, we now have 'hot play' on top of 'wet play'. Surely keeping children indoors during hot weather is actually worse for their health than allowing them to play outside? There should be shaded areas in any playground, and children should wear sunscreen and hats, but one of the great things about hot weather is the fun you can have playing in it. If the alternative is sitting inside a stuffy classroom on a screen then it is completely self-defeating. Is it really any wonder so many young people are suffering from anxiety and depression when schools are wrapping them up in this much cotton wool?
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Mum shares agonising photos of her baby's blistered face after making chilling SPF discovery all parents should know
IT was an overcast day when Lauren Leishman and partner Kai took their little girl Rhegan on a family day out to a farm show. The weather was 'chilly' and both parents wore jumpers, but they applied factor 50 sun cream to their daughter 'just to be safe'. They were only outside for three hours, but later that day, 12-month-old Rhegan was 'literally bright glowing red'. By the next morning, she was covered in huge fluid-filled blisters. 13 13 The youngster was rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, where a nurse warned that her face would peel back to raw skin. Lauren, 22, now wants to warn other parents. The carer, from Dalkeith, Midlothian, tells Sun Health: 'I just want to make people aware. 'I thought, 'It's Scotland, how can she burn that badly with sun cream?' It's crazy. 'She's in agony. It's such a wee shame.' The family visited the farm show in Haddington, East Lothian, on June 28. It was an overcast day, with highs of just 18C. 'Kai and I both had jumpers on,' Lauren says. 'It was chilly and I actually remember thinking to myself, 'Do I bother with sun cream or not?', but I thought, 'I'll put it on just to be safe'.' She applied Malibu Kids Factor 50 sun cream, which is labelled as 'high protection' and 'clinically proven to be kind to skin'. Parents warned 3 common summer foods are dangerous to toddlers - and eating a specific fruit can cause nasty sunburn 'We were out from 10.30am to 1.30pm then went straight home,' Lauren says. 'Rhegan was sleeping in her car seat and when she woke up, she was literally bright glowing red. 'The highest recorded temperature that day was 18C and that would have been later in the afternoon, so we would have been home by then.' Lauren initially applied aloe vera and aftersun, but Rhegan's condition worsened overnight. 'She woke up in the morning and she was just so blistered - huge big filled blisters,' Lauren says. 'As soon as we saw we took her right to hospital. 'I just felt panic straight away and just the guilt was awful.' Doctors were 'shocked' by the injuries and treated Rhegan with ointment. They advised that she stay indoors for a minimum of two weeks. Lauren says: 'She's in agony. Every time I have to put the cream on her I literally have to pin her down. 'It's so sore for her. It's open skin I'm having to touch with the cream.' Lauren says she trusted the sun cream because it was labelled as a kids' factor 50 product, but she's vowed never to use it again. 'It's so, so sad and you feel so guilty, but you just look at a bottle and think, 'Factor 50 for kids, perfect, what can go wrong?',' she adds. 'You just think that if they've got sun cream on then they can go and play in the sun. 'We weren't even abroad, we were literally on our doorstep in Scotland - you wouldn't think that it could ever happen. 'We've never used that sun cream before, that was the first time. God I would never ever again use it.' 13 13 13 13 Lauren is now urging other parents to check UVA star ratings on products before using them on children. The index ranges from 0 to 5 stars, indicating the percentage of UVA radiation absorbed by the sunscreen in comparison to UVB. The higher number, the more balanced the protection is. The NHS recommends using lotions with a UVA star rating of at least four. The product Lauren used was only rated three. It doesn't mean it doesn't work, but a higher rating means better protection against burns and skin cancer. 'I would say just absolutely research the sun cream you're using on your child beforehand,' she says. 'Check the ratings. Ratings on sun creams go by stars. Five-star is the best and that one was only a three-star. 'Had I known that, I would never have bought that product.' Rhegan is still in pain, and Lauren says her daughter's face 'only seems to be getting worse'. What does the UVA star rating mean? THE star rating for sun cream bottles was developed to illustrate the balanced protection that a product offers against both UVA and UVB rays. The index ranges from 0 to 5 stars. These indicate the percentage of UVA radiation absorbed by the sunscreen in comparison to UVB. The higher number of stars means the more balanced that protection is. You may also see the letters 'UVA' in a circle, which means the product has been approved by the EU. It is another way of saying that the product provides good balanced protection against UVA and UVB. Why should people care about choosing a sunscreen with high SPF and high UV protection? Extended exposure to the sun can lead to skin damage, experts say. There are four types of skin damage: skin ageing, hyperpigmentation, sunburns, and skin cancer. "By protecting yourself from the sun, you reduce the likelihood of damaging your skin," the British Association of Dermatologists says. "Make use of the shade during the hours of high intensity (11am and 3pm in the UK typically), wear clothing that will shade your skin, and use sunscreen with at least SPF30 and either the UVA logo or 4 to 5 stars, making sure you're applying it well and re-applying it regularly." Source: British Association of Dermatologists 'She is still so sore,' she adds. 'The nurse in the hospital said that pretty much her whole face will just peel back to just raw skin. 'But she still is herself I suppose, just a bit less so. 'I am worried about scarring. 'Obviously because it's her face and with her being a wee girl, I just hope that it doesn't leave her marked.' SUMMER FEARS Lauren says she now fears taking her daughter out in the sun. 'I'm worried, so we definitely won't take her out again this summer,' she says. 'She will have to stay indoors for two weeks but the rest of the summer she won't be out in the sun. 'It was just her birthday and she got loads of garden toys, including a sand pit, but that will definitely not be used this year.' A spokesperson for Malibu Sun said it has sent the company's complaints information pack to Lauren and is waiting to hear back to investigate further. 13 13 13
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
How to keep dogs cool in hot weather
From burnt paws to heatstroke, dogs and other pets can suffer in the heat. Here's how veterinarians recommend keeping them cool. As heatwaves break out this summer, many pet parents may become concerned about their companions. Our pups may eagerly join us on a sunny trip to the park, but they can have a hard time cooling off and can sustain heat injuries even when temperatures may not feel very hot to humans. While some other pets, such as cats, generally fare better when it comes to avoiding overheating, they can be at risk of too much Sun too. That said, it's possible for pets to enjoy time outside safely in the summer. Here's what experts recommend for keeping dogs and cats safe from the dangers of the heat. Watch out for sudden temperature rises Even when the weather isn't blazing hot, pets can get heat injuries, catching owners off guard. Veterinarians say they often see a spike in heat injuries in dogs during late spring. "We can start seeing heatstroke pretty early, even if the weather itself isn't extraordinarily hot," says veterinarian Amanda Cavanagh, who leads urgent care services at the Colorado State University veterinary hospital. Pet dogs often suffer heat injuries in late spring or early summer for two reasons: their physical fitness is down and they are not acclimatised to the heat. Some owners reduce walks during the colder months, says Katherine Farrell, an emergency and critical care veterinary specialist at the University of California, Davis. Then, when the days warm up, they are eager to take their dogs for a long hike, which can expose them to excessive heat. "They didn't anticipate the weather and their pet is not in that great of shape," says Farrell. Canines can be conditioned to endure the heat, with military and police dogs often working through the summer heat, notes Cavanagh. But those German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are exercised throughout the year, maintaining peak physical fitness. Consider your pet's risk factors Some dogs are poorly equipped to shed heat. You might be picturing a fluffy Samoyed, but they are not the worst-suited to the summer. Instead, squish-faced or brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs top the list of dogs most likely to suffer in the Sun. One study found these canines had a risk of heat illness more than four times higher than dogs with longer snouts. Their short snouts are to blame. Dogs mainly get rid of heat through panting, which moves heat out of their airways and into the environment, explains Cavanagh. The water vapour from their respiratory system evaporates, producing a cooling effect. (While dogs can sweat through their paws, this is of minimal significance for cooling, says Farrell). "When you open up the mouth of a German Shepherd or a Labrador, you can see right down into their airway," says Cavanagh. "If you open the mouth of a bulldog, all you'll see is a giant tongue and a big soft palate, and it just looks like jowls and tissue back there." That means they can't open up their airway and get rid of heat. "Having an obstructed airway from being a squishy-face breed is really the highest risk factor," adds Cavanagh. For some dog breeds, a trip to the groomers may help with heat tolerance, as taking off extra length their coats can help them shed heat more easily, says Farrell. But always consult your veterinarian for advice on what's best for your dog. While long coats may be warmer, they are more functional than they seem. A double coat, with short hairs beneath a layer of long fur, can insulate a pet from the heat, provided it's well-groomed and free of mats, says Cavanagh. For dogs with these thick double coats, including huskies and malamutes, the insulation they provide works better if the coat is left intact – meaning a shave can actually make them more vulnerable to overheating, says Farrell. All dog breeds, as well as other furry animals like cats, will benefit from regular brushing to prevent build-up of fur and matting, allowing better airflow and cooling. Overweight pets are also at greater risk of overheating, adds Farrell (it's estimated that over half of dogs and cats in the US are overweight or obese). Certain medicines can also reduce pets' ability to tolerate heat, she adds. Go outside prepared When the weather warms, start with shorter walks and don't push your dog if they are panting heavily: allow them a few weeks to acclimatise to warmer temperatures. In hot weather it's safer to keep your outings to the early morning and evening, avoiding the middle part of the day. (Read about the science-backed ways to keep yourself cool in a heatwave too). During the midday heat, your pet may not be able to shed the heat they are producing through exercise, leading to a risk of overheating, says Cavanagh. In general, pets can overheat at air temperatures over about 77F (25C), and this risk is far greater when humidity is over 65%, says Ronald Li, an emergency and critical care veterinary specialist at North Carolina State University. "High humidity in the air negates the ability of dogs to cool down by panting," he says, as the humid air reduces evaporation from the dog's tongue. Don't leave your pet in the car or any other enclosed space that could easily heat up to dangerous temperatures, adds Cavanagh. Even on a mild, 70F (21C) day, the temperature in a car can climb almost 20F (11C) in just 10 minutes. Conservatories, sunrooms and caravans can pose a similar risk to both dogs and cats. And outdoor cats looking for a warm spot can end up trapped in overheated sheds and greenhouses, so make sure to check them before locking up. When you do take your dog out, carry water for them and seek shadier spots. Lapping up some water outside recoups water lost through panting and reduces the chance they will guzzle their whole bowl when they get home, which can increase the risk of bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition, says Cavanagh. And remember to check pavement temperatures. While the pads on dogs' feet may seem tough, they can still suffer burns from hot surfaces, says Farrell, who has seen burned paws in canine patients from walking on a hot pavement. If you can't hold your hand on the ground for 30 seconds, chances are it could burn your pet's paws, she says. Try to stick to places where your pet can walk on cooler surfaces like grass or dirt. Choose heat gear wisely If you can't avoid walking on hot pavements, outfitting your dog's paws with boots can help, says Farrell. Be sure to find a good fit, however – ill-fitting ones can create sores on their feet and ankles, adds Cavanagh. Some pet companies market "cooling vests" designed to cool dogs through evaporation. There is some evidence in military working dogs that these vests can cool down canines – at least during a short bout of physical activity. But Cavanagh cautions that the effect doesn't last long: "They work for the first 10 minutes as they absorb all your heat, and then they're like this hot, wet blanket on top of you." If your pet has a pink nose or sparse fur, they might benefit from a coat of children's sunscreen in those areas, says Cavanagh. Cats tend to get skin cancer on their less furry parts such as their ear tips and noses, she says, so sunscreen may benefit pets that like to sunbathe, such as felines that sun themselves by windows. Spot the signs of overheating One of the earliest signs of overheating in dogs is heavy panting beyond what your pet normally sounds like after some zoomies on a cooler day, says Farrell. Noisier breathing, with snoring or high-pitched sounds, is especially concerning – it could mean the airway is swelling and having difficulty dissipating heat. Cats may also start to breathe with their mouth open when they're too hot or otherwise need medical attention, added Farrell. Heatstroke sets in when the body temperature becomes dangerously elevated; in canines, that cut off is generally above 105.8F (41C). When pets get this hot, the nervous system is affected, and you might see them appear disorientated or weak and wobbly, says Cavanagh. In dogs, pink gums turn bright red during heat stroke, she adds. If you see these signs of heatstroke, bring your pet to a veterinarian. If the clinic is more than 10 to 15 minutes journey away, it can help to cool them down at home first, says Farrell – the faster you can bring their temperature down, the lower the risk of serious injuries. A splash of cool water is your best bet – in fact, one 2024 study found that voluntary head dunking in water (by dogs trained to do this by themselves) is more effective than wearing ice packs or wet towels. Hose your pet down with cool water, or dunk them in the bathtub, and run a fan across their wet fur, recommends Farrell. Still, be careful with very cold water or ice, which can cause blood vessels to get smaller, reducing heat dissipation from the body, says Farrell. "Wide open blood vessels help dissipate heat." More like this:• The simple ways cities can adapt to heatwaves• Why your dog loves to roll in poo• The complicated truth about a cat's purr It's important to take action if you think your pet is overheating. Heatstroke can lead to kidney injuries, bruising and internal bleeding, and brain injuries, says Cavanagh. She has seen dogs with heatstroke hospitalised for days to weeks, and many need blood transfusions. "The biggest challenge with heat stroke is not necessarily cooling the animal back down," says Cavanagh. "Being hot can have consequences to all of the organs." The vast majority of pets Cavanagh and Farrell see for heatstroke are dogs. "Cats often times don't get heatstroke from being outside or exercising too vigorously because they're kind of smarter than that," says Cavanagh. "They won't run themselves into a heat stroke episode like our Labradors will." Both mentioned, however, that they occasionally treat felines who have suffered heat stroke from getting trapped in the dryer – a risk to be aware of for the heat-loving creatures. Eager to be at our sides, our canine companions will endure the heat even when it's a risk to their health. It's up to us to prepare them for warm outings and to be on the lookout for signs of overheating. -- For more science, technology, environment and health stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
