Children's Health Matters is a column that shares the latest reporting, research, commentary and ideas on pediatric health and child development; prevention models to reduce health disparities for ill children and children born into poverty; links between maternal and children’s health; and broader trends in children's health and well-being.
From Colorado to San Francisco, recent headlines have cast a spotlight on the problem of kids ending up in the ER after ingesting marijuana disguised in sugary form. But the problem goes beyond pot.
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on skills such as self-control and "grit" among children. But how do you properly measure such non-academic traits? It’s a critical question for schools, policymakers and researchers.
A new study suggests the Great Recession greatly increased the likelihood of mental health problems among children. The pattern held true even in families in which no one lost their job.
Zika has become the biggest health story of the summer, and the volume of coverage reflects that. But some of the most interesting reporting has started to focus on the longer-term effects of the virus on children.
Criminalizing pregnant women and new mothers for drug dependency problems leads to poorer health outcomes while disproportionately punishing low-income women of color, argues maternal health advocate Emily Eckert.
A new data-rich almanac on maternity care in California highlights persistent racial disparities in prenatal care and maternal mortality rates.
The annual Data Book published by Kids Count this week feeds into a larger news trend of late that has emphasized broad gains in children's health and morality rates.
In the U.S., social welfare benefits tend to impose tight restrictions on recipients. But in Manitoba, low-income pregnant women can receive a no-strings-attached cash boost. Research suggests it leads to healthier babies.
Tennessee was one of four states that recently passed important new laws taking aim at the country's high maternal death rate. Yet you’d be hard pressed to find out about the legislation from reading the news.
Amid rising awareness of maternal depression's harmful effects on children, CMS is telling states they can bill mom's screening and treatment to the child's Medicaid coverage.
