Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Report Focuses On How September Is Especially Bad For Asthmatic Children
North Carolina Health News: Understanding September's Asthma Toll On Children And Communities Of Color
September is an exciting time for many, as summer’s long, hot days begin to give way to cooler temperatures and fall colors. Primary school and college students return to classes, and crowds pack high school bleachers and college stadiums on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons to cheer on their favorite fall sports teams, among other fun autumn activities. However, for children and communities of color — especially Black Americans — experts suggest grabbing an inhaler before heading out to enjoy seasonal pastimes. (Atwater, 9/25)
The Conversation: Secondhand Smoke May Be A Substantial Contributor To Lead Levels Found In Children And Adolescents, New Study Finds
Secondhand smoke may be an important but overlooked source of chronic lead exposure in kids and adolescents. That is the key finding of our recent study, published in the journal BMC Public Health. We analyzed national data on blood lead levels and secondhand smoke exposure in 2,815 U.S. children and teenagers ages 6 to 19 from 2015 to 2018. We looked at levels of lead and a nicotine metabolite — a substance known as cotinine produced in the body’s chemical process that forms when tobacco smoke is inhaled. Levels of cotinine indicate exposure to tobacco smoke. (Carrillo and Roh, 9/24)
In other developments —
The Philadelphia Inquirer: Declaring Health A Human Right Is The First Step For New Students At Drexel’s Dornsife School Of Public Health
For years, new students at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health have kicked off their first year on campus with a recitation of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It’s a nod to what administrators consider the core of the school’s teaching philosophy: that good health is an intrinsic human right. (Whelan, 9/22)
Minnesota Public Radio: As Student Mental Health Needs Leap, Schools Seek A Next Generation Of Counselors
School counselors and psychologists have been in short supply throughout Jen Voge’s 25-year career, but she says the need seems greater now than ever. Student mental health problems have become chronic in the COVID-19 era with school disruptions and family illnesses taking a toll. It’s not possible to reach all the kids who need help. (Gunderson, 9/25)
Also —
Axios: Podcasts Promising Tips On How To Live Longer Gain In Popularity
A slew of podcasters are building massive followings and businesses online by exploring the human curiosity about living longer. Enthusiasm for the topic has grown in recent months as streamers and celebrities elevate the field, which once was confined largely to niche podcasts and books. (Fischer and Snyder, 9/24)
