Teaching Kids ‘Soft Skills’ To Strengthen Emotional Intelligence Can Have Long-Lasting Benefits
In mental health news, health professionals warn that holiday blues and, more seriously, Seasonal Affective Disorder, are common this time of year. And a new study links early childhood depression to physical changes in the brain.
Kaiser Health News:
‘Soft’ Social Skills Might Prevent A Hard Knocks Life
Academic learning is usually in the spotlight at school, but teaching elementary-age students “soft” skills like self-control and how to get along with others might help to keep at-risk kids out of criminal trouble in the future, a study finds. (Shallcross, 12/17)
St. Louis Public Radio:
The Holiday Season Is Not 'The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year' For All
The bustle of office parties, gift-giving and family get-togethers are usually part of the build-up to a joyful holiday season but, for some, the season sometimes brings with it a feeling of sadness. In fact, the holiday blues are not all that uncommon at all. Tim Bono, assistant dean and lecturer in psychology at Washington University, joined “St. Louis on the Air” on Wednesday to discuss these feelings of depression during the holidays—as well as what to do if you know someone who seems a bit more down during this time of year. (Moffitt, 12/16)
St. Louis Public Radio:
Early Childhood Depression Alters The Developing Brain, Wash U Study Suggests
Depression very early in life can affect the way a child’s brain develops. A new study by researchers at Washington University is the first to link early childhood depression to physical changes in the developing brain. As part of the research, Washington University child psychiatrist Dr. Joan Luby and her colleagues followed the development of approximately 200 St. Louis-area children for up to 11 years, giving them behavioral assessments and a series of three brain scans. About half of the children had episodes of depression, most starting when they were only 3 to 6 years old. (Lacapra, 12/16)
In patient care news, long delays during breast cancer treatment and less-intensive physical therapy after joint replacement surgery take a toll -
The Philadelphia Inquirer:
Long Delays In Breast Cancer Treatment Can Be Deadly
Excessive delays in breast cancer treatment may compromise patients' survival, according to two major studies published Thursday in JAMA Oncology. What's more, the women most likely to experience long delays were black or Hispanic, and one analysis found a correlation with lower incomes. (McCullough, 12/12)
The Philadelphia Inquirer:
More Joint-Replacement Patients Are Skipping Physical Therapy
People who got joint replacements only a few years ago might be surprised by what happens now after patients get their new hips and knees. Now that new payment schemes encourage surgeons and hospitals to pay more attention to the cost and effectiveness of the care patients get when they leave the hospital, postsurgical rehab has become a target for cuts. Where - and how - joint-replacement patients get physical therapy is changing rapidly. Far fewer are going to inpatient facilities for rehab. A growing number are skipping home care and going straight to outpatient therapy. Some hip and knee patients are getting no professional physical therapy at all. (Burling, 12/13)