The stress-reducing effects of art in pediatric health care: art preferences of healthy children and hospitalized children Eisen, S. L., Ulrich, R. S., Shepley, M. M., Varni, J. W., Sherman, S. Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000 Art is assumed to possess therapeutic benefits of healing for children, as part of patient-focused design in health care. Since the psychological and physiological well-being of children in health care settings is extremely important in contributing to the healing process, it is vitally important to identify what type of art supports stress reduction. Based on adult studies, nature art was anticipated to be the most preferred and to have stress-reducing effects on pediatric patients. Nature art refers to art images dominated by natural vegetation, flowers or water. The objective of this study was to investigate what type of art image children prefer, and what type of art image has potentially stress-reducing effects on children in hospitals. This study used a three-phase, multi-method approach with children aged 5—17 years: a focus group study (129 participants), a randomized study (48 participants), and a quasi-experimental study design (48 participants). Findings were evaluated from three phases. Fear in children with cancer: observations at an outpatient visit Anderzen Carlsson, A., Sorlie, V., Gustafsson, K., Olsson, M., Kihlgren, M. Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000 The aim of the study was to describe interactions within the family and between them and professionals on a routine visit at a paediatric oncology outpatient clinic where the visiting child was likely to be fearful. Observations were performed. Data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. The behaviours most frequently observed as expressing fear were being quiet, withdrawn or providing detailed descriptions of experiences. Within the theme `Recognition of the fear', an attentive attitude to the fear was traced; fear was confirmed and cooperation was seen. Although many efforts were made to meet the fear, this was not always successful. Within the theme `Lack of attention to the fear', the fear was not in focus due to parental worries and concerns about the child's health, and organizational disturbances. The results can serve as a basis for collegial reflections of how to handle fear in children with cancer.
NPR Topics: Children's Health
Despite Palin's Stand, Alaska Law Mum On Sex Ed Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:39:00 -0400 Gov. Sarah Palin has been a strong supporter of programs that advocate abstinence until marriage, and she also opposes explicit sex education. Alaska's law is silent on these issues, however, and it provides no specific funding for sex education in the schools. Parents Protest Increase In Required Vaccinations Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:13:00 -0400 State and local governments across the country are requiring a growing list of vaccinations for children entering school. Public health advocates say that the vaccines are well-tested and serve a vital role in preventing disease outbreaks, but some parents still have concerns. Football Uniforms Turn Up The Heat Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:01:00 -0400 Injury-inducing collisions aren't the only safety issues football coaches and trainers need to worry about, physiologists say. High temperatures and humidity can also take a serious toll on players wrapped up in pads and uniforms.
CancerBACUP: Children's Cancers - Provides general information, diagnosis, causes, treatment, clinical trials, resources, and types of childhood cancer.
Meta Description: [ Information about children's cancers, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, side effects and further resources. ]
Childhood Cancer Awareness Postage Stamp Campaign - Effort to raise awareness and education of the toll cancer takes on children, adolescents, and families.
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Children's Cancer Web - A non-profit site with comprehensive information on specific childhood cancers including an annotated directory of related links.
CureSearch - Provides information on childhood cancer for patients, their families, physicians, and health care advisors.
Meta Description: [ CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation and Children' s Oncology Group are partners in the search to cure childhood cancer; each with vital responsibilities concerning research; care; public awareness and fundraising. ]
National Cancer Institute: Childhood Cancers - Information provided about pediatric cancers, treatments, prevention, resources, clinical trials, statistics, testing, and screening.
Meta Description: [ Information about childhood (pediatric) cancers: treatment, clinical trials, research, statistics, and other topics from the National Cancer Institute. ]
NCI: Late Effects of Treatment for Childhood Cancer - Information about how childhood cancer survivors have an increased risk of developing a second cancer later in life.
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Pediatric Oncology Resource Center - Resources, web links, and references related for parents, friends, and families of children who have or had childhood cancer.
Teenage Cancer Trust - Mission is to raise funds, educate, and support teenagers fighting cancer. Provides information about health facts, challenges, conferences, events, news, shop, links, donations, and a forum. [UK]
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