Category: children’s health

Thousands of Children Got Tested for Lead With Faulty Devices: What Parents Should Know

Faulty lead test kits made by Magellan Diagnostics may have been used as late as 2021 to test children for exposure to the toxic metal. The company agreed to pay $42 million to settle criminal charges that it concealed malfunctions.

White House Enlists Doctors and Hospitals To Combat Gun Violence

As Congress remains deadlocked on gun policy, the Biden administration is calling on hospital leaders and doctors to gather more data about gunshot injuries and deaths and step up their violence prevention work.

Urged on by LGBTQ+ Activists, California Cities Weigh Stricter Smoking Rules

High rates of smoking in the LGBTQ+ community, and the ease with which young people can buy a range of nicotine products, is leading several Northern California cities to consider new restrictions on cigarettes, vapes, and cigars.

4 Ways Vaccine Skeptics Mislead You on Measles and More

Vaccine scare tactics haven’t shifted, but more parents are falling for them. Here’s what the rhetoric gets wrong and how it endangers children.

After a Child’s Death, California Weighs Rules for Phys Ed During Extreme Weather

A California lawmaker wants the state to craft guidelines for how and when schoolchildren can play or exercise during extreme weather, including heat waves. The bill comes after a 12-year-old boy died after a physical education instructor told him to run as the temperature topped 90 degrees.

Their First Baby Came With Medical Debt. These Illinois Parents Won’t Have Another.

Millions of new parents in the U.S. are swamped by medical debt during and after pregnancy, forcing many to cut back on food, clothing, and other essentials.

Oh, Dear! Baby Gear! Why Are the Manuals So Unclear?

Sure, new parents are an anxious lot. But instruction manuals for devices meant to keep the baby safe and healthy are daunting and add to the anxiety. Why are they so confusing?

California Is Investing $500M in Therapy Apps for Youth. Advocates Fear It Won’t Pay Off.

California launched two teletherapy apps as part of the governor’s $500 million foray into health technology with private companies. But the rollout has been so slow that one company has yet to make its app available on Android, and social workers worry youths who need clinical care won’t get referrals.

Mandatory Reporting Laws Meant To Protect Children Get Another Look

The state is looking at ways to weed out false reporting of child abuse and neglect as the number of reports reaches a record high.

California Legislators Debate Froot Loops and Free Condoms

California state lawmakers this year are continuing their progressive tilt on health policy, debating bills banning an ingredient in Froot Loops and offering free condoms for high schoolers.