Children's Health

U-M study: Most parents are distracted drivers

Steve Carmody — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:05:12 +0000

A new University of Michigan survey finds many parents are distracted behind the wheel.

The U-M researchers surveyed more than 600 parents to find out what distractions they face while driving with their children.

Urping: It's just what babies do

Rina Miller — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:39:17 +0000

Babies spit up -- a lot. It often happens when they eat too quickly or too much. It's normal, but it sure can scare parents.

A University of Michigan study says doctors should be careful about using labels to describe babies with upset stomachs.

Dr. Beth Tarini, an assistant professor of pediatrics at U-M, says when doctors use terms like gastroesophageal reflux disease -- or GERD -- the only thing most parents hear is "disease."

"It can transform the way the parent views the child's health. It can take a parent who has a healthy child, and have that parent start to believe that that child is actually sick," Tarini says."Parents come into the office, understandably distressed that their baby is spitting up."

Tarini says sometimes physicians, in trying to help the parents, will reach for anything they can do to help, which can lead to the overuse of antacids, like Zantac.

UM Study suggests insurance biggest factor in doctor selection

Michigan Radio Newsroom — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:10:34 +0000

A new University of Michigan study suggests recommendations by friends and family are more important than online reviews when selecting a doctor.

Dr. Matthew Davis is a pediatrician at the University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital, and director of the National Poll on Children's Health. He says location and whether a doctor will accept your insurance are the top two factors for parents. He added, “the fact that it so far outranks, the type of practice that a Doctor provides, is a major commentary on the importance of how expensive health care is in the US and how it can really influence a family’s decision-making.”

Michigan OKs medical marijuana for 44 children

The Associated Press — Sun, 27 May 2012 18:05:47 +0000

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan has issued medical marijuana cards covering 44 children. Most are teenagers, but three of them are under 10 years old.

U of M study finds problems with carpooling and booster seat use

Steve Carmody — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:01:01 +0000

A new University of Michigan study finds most parents are hesitant to insist their young children use booster seats when they carpool.

Public service announcements remind us that children between 4 and 8 years old, under 4 feet 9 inches tall, must be in a booster seat when riding in a car. But that message is not convincing most parents to insist on a booster seat when their kids carpool with other children.

Class Warfare

Jack Lessenberry — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:18:39 +0000

I started listening to the state of the union address last night, which I thought was one of President Obama’s better speeches.

Halloween is a dangerous time for small children

Steve Carmody — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:01:01 +0000

Twice as many children die in car-pedestrian accidents on Halloween than on an average day the rest of the year. That’s according to the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

Michelle Macy is a clinical lecturer of emergency medicine at the U-M Medical School. She says adults should be more cautious than usual when taking young children trick or treating in busy neighborhoods.

"While they’re in elementary school, kids don’t have the ability to judge the distance that a car is or the speed that it’s approaching at…they need to be told to wait and stop and let the cars go past before they try to run out ahead of it," said Macy.

Macy urges parents to make sure their children dress in costumes that don’t restrict their vision this Halloween.

U of M poll finds parents worry about childhood obesity and illegal drug use most of all

Steve Carmody — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:28:12 +0000

A new poll from the University of Michigan shows parents have a growing concern about childhood obesity and illegal drug use. The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital has been asking parents for five years what’s their greatest health concern when it comes to their children.

Obesity has topped the list since it started. But this year illegal drug use tied for the top spot.

Largest-ever children's health study launches in Michigan

Sarah Cwiek — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:01:25 +0000

The largest long-term children’s health study in United States history has launched in Michigan.

Wayne County is the Michigan county participating in the National Children’s Study. Genesee, Grand Traverse, Lenawee and Macomb will also join over the next several years.

The study aims to document how social and environmental factors affect children’s health.

Dr.