TV Affects Preschooler's Sleep

A recent study, reported by CNN and entitled "TV Affects Sleep of Preschoolers", reveals that not only does the type of TV impact a preschooler's sleep, but the time of day the child watches TV impacts quality and quantity of sleep. The article also discusses other ways TV impacts sleep on this age group. How can parents balance a child's desire to watch TV with what is healthy for the child? What other healthy behaviors can parents promote instead of watching TV?

Piercing a Tongue, In the Name of Mobility

NY Times article entitled "Piercing a Tongue, in the Name of Mobility" examines an innovative new technology for individuals who are paralyzed. Scientists wanted to develop a more user-friendly technology to assist individuals who are paralyzed to be more mobile. The tongue piercing has a magnet that communicates to a wireless headset and controls the wheelchair. What other types of technologies could be used to help an individual who is paralyzed? Are there other innovative ways to utilize oral devices to make living more "user-friendly"?

Seniors Fare Better Where Doctors Are

NY Times article entitled: "Patterns: Seniors Fare Better Where Doctors Are" explores recent research that reveals when older adults live within high concentration of Primary Care doctors (PCP's), they have lower death rates and are less likely to be hospitalized for illnesses that can be managed outside the hospital setting. What factors play into this finding? How could groups other than just older adults benefit from the results of this research? How do we get doctors to go into primary care settings, when the reimbursement levels continue to decline (even as malpractice rates and business costs increase?).

My Plate Replaces Food Pyramid

The US Government recently released MyPlate, a redesign of the food pyramid, as a way to promote healthy eating and reminders about a basic healthy diet. This NY Times article, entitled "Nutrition Plate Revealed, Replacing Food Pyramid", describes the rationale for changing from what was deemed a "confusing" pyramid to something that consumers will be able to identify with -- a plate. What do you think? Will this change in the visual guidelines to healthy eating actually promote more healthy diets among Americans? How could the government best promote this new design to be most effective?