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 The behaviours most frequently observed as expressing fear were being quiet, withdrawn or providing detailed descriptions of experiences.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
Small Amounts Reap Big Rewards Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0400 Maya Ajmera is among the ordinary people working to make a difference for others. She is the founder of the Global Fund for Children, a non-profit that gives small grants to grassroots organizations around the world that provide education, health care and shelter to poor children. Multitasking Teens May Be Muddling Their Brains Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:02:00 -0400 Many teens today bounce between computers, music, cell phones and homework. They might appear superproductive, but science says otherwise: Every time we switch tasks, the brain shuts down connections to key information. No Cold Medicine For Kids Under 4, New Labels Say Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:45:00 -0400 As the season for colds and flu approaches, drug makers have announced they are changing their product labeling to caution parents against using cough and cold formulas for children younger than 4. Pediatricians suggest trying home remedies instead.
Immunization Action Coalition - Provides information to help promote childhood and adult immunizations, with information about vaccine safety, myths, vaccine information statements, questions, schedules, and state immunization laws.
Meta Description: [ The Immunization Action Coalition and the Hepatitis B Coalition
disseminate information on prevention and treatment of Hepatitis B and
childhood and adult immunizations. ]
2003 Immunization Schedule at AAP - Indicates the recommended ages for routine administration of currently licensed childhood vaccines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Allied Vaccine Group - Dedicated to providing reliable information on vaccines and vaccination based on scientific research and unbiased vaccine and vaccination news.
Meta Description: [ A group of websites dedicated to providing reliable information on vaccines and vaccination and unbiased vaccine news. ]
Anti-immunization scare: The inconvenient facts - A review and debunking of an anti-vaccine proponent, with information on the effects of reducing immunization rates of pertussis and measles and the false link between DTP and SIDS.
404BabyCenter Vaccine Resources - Offers answers to questions about vaccine safety and effectiveness, including why your baby needs to be vaccinated, and reviews the current recommended immunization schedule.
Childhood Immunizations - Information about immunizations and the diseases they protect against, plus links to information and community resources regarding vaccines.
404Children's Vaccine Program - This program from Bill and Melinda Gates works to ensure that all children receive the full benefits of new, lifesaving vaccines. Resources include general information about vaccines, advocacy and financing of immunization programs.
Meta Description: [ Children's Vaccine Program at PATH: Promoting equal access to lifesaving vaccines worldwide. ]
Every Child By Two - Raises awareness of the importance of getting children fully immunized by the time they are two years old by educating health care workers and the general public. Includes a list of 'barriers' to immunization and their solutions.
Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization - A partnership dedicated to ensuring that all children have equal access to vaccines to prevent illness and death from vaccine preventable illnesses.
Meta Description: [ The GAVI Alliance is a unique organisation that aligns public and private resources in a global effort to create greater access to the benefits of immunisation. ]
Immunisation Advisory Centre in New Zealand - Offers unbiased information to the public and health professionals on all aspects of childhood immunisation against infectious diseases.
Meta Description: [ The Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) is a nationwide organization supported by the University of Auckland to provide help and practical advice about immunisation and vaccine-preventable disease for New Zealanders. ]
Immunization Gateway - Offers a wide variety of resources, including international vaccine recommendations, adverse event reporting, training, and information on numerous specific vaccine-preventable diseases such as plague, cholera, rabies, and rotavirus.
Meta Description: [ Your comprehensive link to the most up-to-date, expert immunization resources available via the Internet. Use this site as the jumping-off point for the best in vaccine and antibody information. ]
Immunizations - Information on the risks and benefits of vaccines.
Issues in Immunization - A summary of current research on the safety and benefits of immunizations, including information about anti-immunization activists and common deceptions used on the web.
Meta Description: [ Scientific evidence on benefits, issues, risks of immunization / immunisation, by Lon Morgan ]
Misconceptions about Immunization - Seven common misconceptions that anti-vaccine proponents use that can lead parents to question the wisdom of immunizing their children.
National Network for Immunization Information - A comprehensive site that provides up-to-date,science-based immunization information to parents, healthcare professionals, media, policymakers and the public. Includes state by state requirements and newsbriefs.
NPR : Rotavirus Added to Bulky List of Childhood Vaccines - Health officials recommend adding vaccines for flu and rotavirus to the regimen of childhood immunizations. Parents are objecting to the number of advised shots. [4:38 streaming audio broadcast]
Meta Description: [ Health officials recommend adding vaccines for flu and rotavirus to the regimen of childhood immunizations. Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children. Parents are objecting to the number of advised shots. ]
Pediarix Vaccine - A new combination shot for infants - Pediarix is a new 'super' vaccine that combines three immunizations into one, meaning your kids will need to get fewer shots.
Meta Description: [ Pediarix and other new combination vaccines that combine multiple immunizations into one can mean that your kids will need to get fewer shots. ]
Plain Talk About Childhood Immunization - Includes facts about vaccine preventable disease, vaccine safety, the immune system and how vaccines work, legal requirements, current vaccine recommendations and an article comparing the risks of each disease versus the vaccine that prevents the disease.
Meta Description: [ Some of the most difficult decisions can be about their health care. To have your child immunized is one of these decisions. We all want to make the right choices and do what is best for our children. As a community, we also need to protect the public's health. ]
404The MMR Pages - Extensive information on the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) immunizations, the diseases and the vaccination programme from a general practitioner.
Travelers' Health Vaccination Requirements - Official U.S. government vaccination recommendations for traveling with children. Provided by the CDC, this site includes recommendations for traveling to specific countries.
Meta Description: [ Official U.S. government health recommendations for traveling. Provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ]
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) - Post-marketing safety surveillance program from the FDA and CDC that collects information about adverse events (side effects) that occur after the administration of US licensed vaccines. Reports are welcome from all concerned individuals.
Vaccine Education Center - Information on immunizations for children, teens and adults, including general questions, research, and a vaccination schedule. Includes information about each vaccine, and answers to important questions, such as 'Are Vaccines Safe?' and 'Are Vaccines Still Necessary?'
Meta Description: [ The Vaccine Education Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia educates parents and healthcare providers about vaccines and immunizations. ]
VaccineCheck - Provides vaccine information and an interactive program which will create an immunization schedule for any child or adolescent under 21 years of age.
Why Should I Immunize My Child? - The American Academy of Pediatrics answers parents' questions about immunizations, including information about the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine and alleged links to autism.
