Simple Checklist To Spot Autism By Age 1

AP News/Columbus Dispatch article entitled "Simple Checklist May Spot Signs of Autism by Age 1." This article discusses a simple checklist that would identify children at risk for Autism by age 1. The checklist could easily be completed in a waiting room at the pediatrician's office, and allow for treatment to start much earlier. How effective could a simple checklist be in helping parents and pediatricians identify autism? Should insurance companies start paying for screening tools such as this one at earlier and earlier ages?

Motherhood and Filicide

AP News/Columbus Dispatch article entitled "Moms Killing Kids Not as Rare as You Think" describes filicide, or killing one's own child. Several databases track such killings but do not separate mothers from fathers or stepfathers. Filicide is not as rare as the media would make us believe! At the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System reported an estimated 1,740 child fatalities - meaning when a child dies from an injury caused by abuse or neglect - in 2008. According to numbers compiled from 16 states by the National Violent Death Reporting System at the CDC Injury Center, 130 children were killed in those states by a parent in 2008, the last year for which numbers were available. How can resources be made available for mothers or fathers who feel an urge to hurt or kill their child? What ways can the community intervene?

Well $*!, Swearing for Health

Chicago Tribune article entitled "Swearing Reduces Pain, Study Says," which discusses on a recently-released study examining whether cursing can reduce pain or not. The report indicates that participants who used a swear word were able to tolerate pain longer than participants who used a neutral word; however, a word of caution! The effect only worked for those participants who did not frequently swear in the first place. What do you think? Does swearing help relieve pain? What other types of non-medical techniques might also alleviate pain?

Drug Deaths in Ohio

A recent NY Times article features Scioto County (county seat: Portsmouth) in Ohio. The article is entitled "Ohio County Losing Its Young to Painkillers' Grip" and gives a number of grim statistics, such as:

* Nearly 1 in 10 babies born in Scioto County are born addicted to drugs.
* In Ohio, the leading cause of accidental death is overdose, bypassing car accidents.
* Children as young as in junior high are being arrested for drug possession and intent to sell.

For more information on addiction and how to combat it, please visit the APA Addictions webpage, which has more information on changing behavior and dealing with addiction. To find a psychologist to help with addiction in Ohio, please visit the OPA "Referral" Page.

Suicide and The Economy

The NY Times is reporting on "Study Ties Suicide Rate in Work Force to Economy." Past research has shown mixed information when looking at the economy and suicide rates, but this new analysis reveals that for those adults who are still working, suicide rates are tied to economic rises and falls. The researchers indicate that economic downturns may add another variable to already stressed individuals at risk for suicide. Other risk factors for suicide include depression, substance abuse, and isolation. How could mental health professionals assist working adults in hard economic times in managing stress? What ways can businesses address this higher risk of suicide?

At 103, Still Working

Columbus Dispatch/AP Article entitled "Federal Judge, 103, Still Hearing Cases in Kansas." Judge Brown was appointed to his lifetime bench by President Kennedy, and still takes his appointments seriously. He lives in an assisted living center, but gets a ride to work daily and still hears numerous civil cases. What are your thoughts about working to age 103? How would you feel if you had a case being heard by a judge at that age? Should other people keep working past retirement to maintain an active mind and body?

Gov't Plan to Reduce Health Disparities

A Columbus Dispatch/AP Article entitled "Government Announces Plan to Reduce Health Disparities" describes how minority individuals in the U.S. are suffering from poorer health and get worse healthcare than whites. The new government plan addresses issues such as dental care for children, increased support for individuals with diabetes, and more access to interpreters in medical settings. What are other ways that the healthcare community can work to reduce the disparities that exist? How can individuals work to make sure they receive the best healthcare available?

April is National Minority Health Month. For more information, please visit the Office on Minority Affairs website. To learn more about health disparities in Ohio, visit the OPA "Health Disparities in Ohio" link.

Disabled, But Looking For Work

A recent NY Times article entitled "Disabled, But Looking For Work" discusses the increase in Americans receiving social security disability payments and how those who wish to return to work, despite their disability, are struggling to do so. There are numerous social and medical  implications to this article. What would be a solution to balancing wanting to work but not being able to work? How could individuals receiving social security disability get more support so that they can contribute to the workforce in a way that is appropriate to their situation? 

Traumatizing Your DNA

A recent article posted by ScienceDaily entitled "Traumatizing Your DNA: Researcher Warns That It Isn't 'All In The Genes'." This article discusses a research article published in the Quarterly Journal of Biology that examines how individuals and environment can impact genetics, despite the Human Genome Project's focus on genetics being the sole influence on development. How much can environment, such as pollution or stress impact our genes? How might the long-term effects of these environmental stressors be seen on genetics in the future? Thinking about the heritability index discussed by the textbook, are certain traits likely to be more or less influenced by possible environmental stressors discussed by the article?

Autism Awareness Month

In honor of April being Autism Awareness Month, the Chicago Tribune has published an article entitled "The Best Places to Live if You Have Autism." The article discusses a recent list distributed by an organization called Autism Speaks, based on the following criteria: Places most often cited by survey respondents for best availability of services and resources, including educational offerings and recreational and medical services. The top 10 cities were top 10 were New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Boston, Northern New Jersey, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Seattle and Milwaukee. Ohio ranked as one of the lowest states in the ratings. What could Ohio do to improve Autism care? What should parents be looking for when they seek a good place to live for their child who has Autism?