เดือน: ตุลาคม 2023

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Study Reveals Intergenerational Impact of Childhood Adversity on Kindergarten Math Skills

Mothers’ Early-Life Adversity Linked to Lower Numeration and Math Skills in Children

A new study sheds light on the long-reaching consequences of childhood adversity, indicating that maternal experiences of adversity during their early years can significantly affect their children’s kindergarten math skills. A study published in the Child Abuse and Neglect Journal highlights the importance of early intervention to mitigate the adverse effects of adversity on children’s academic performance.

Background

Childhood adversity has long been associated with negative outcomes in health and academic achievement later in life. Poor mathematical skills, in particular, have been identified as a risk factor for physical and mental health issues, unemployment, and even incarceration. This has led researchers to investigate whether math achievement could serve as a key factor linking childhood adversity to later life functioning. While it has been well-documented that children’s own experiences of adversity can impact their academic performance, the study aimed to explore the influence of adversity faced by mothers during their childhood and adulthood on their children’s kindergarten math skills.

Objective

The primary objective of the study was to determine whether childhood adversity experienced by children directly and by their mothers in their own early years or adulthood had any relationship with the math skills of kindergarten-aged children.

Participants and Methods

A total of 91 mothers participated in the study, completing the Assessment of Parent and Child Adversity questionnaire. Additionally, their kindergartners underwent the KeyMath-3 Diagnostic Assessment to evaluate their math skills.

Results

The findings of the study indicated that maternal childhood adversity, rather than adversity experienced in adulthood, was significantly linked to lower numeration and addition/subtraction abilities in their kindergarten-aged children. Specifically, maternal childhood adversity had a negative association with children’s numeration (β = −0.27) and addition/subtraction abilities (β = −0.25). It was observed that maternal childhood maltreatment and other forms of adversity collectively influenced their child’s numeration skills. However, the prevalence of direct adversity experienced by children was low and did not show any significant correlation with their kindergarten math skills.

Conclusions

This research underscores the enduring impact of childhood adversity, especially when experienced by mothers in their own early years, on their children’s math skills as early as kindergarten. The study suggests that early-life adversity is transmitted across generations, potentially affecting the educational outcomes of the next generation. As a result, early intervention programs and support for mothers who have experienced early-life adversity may prove crucial in ensuring that children start school on an equal footing and have a better chance of academic success.

These findings provide valuable insights into the complex interplay of adversity, maternal experiences, and childhood development, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to addressing the challenges faced by at-risk children and their families.

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New Study Reveals Alarming Impact of Verbal Abuse on Children’s Development

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have shed light on the severe consequences of adults shouting at, denigrating, or verbally threatening children. This verbal abuse has been found to be as harmful to a child’s development as sexual or physical abuse, according to the study published in the journal Child Abuse & Neglect.

The comprehensive analysis, which reviewed 166 earlier studies, underscores the need to categorize childhood verbal abuse as its own form of maltreatment, alongside physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. The research was commissioned by Words Matter, a British charity dedicated to ending verbal abuse against children, and conducted by scholars from Wingate University in North Carolina and University College London.

Lead author of the study, Professor Shanta Dube, director of Wingate University’s Master of Public Health Program, emphasized the urgency of recognizing childhood verbal abuse as a distinct form of abuse due to its lifelong negative consequences. The study found that verbal abuse by parents, teachers, and coaches can lead to mental distress, externalizing symptoms like criminal behavior and substance abuse, and physical health issues like obesity and lung disease.

Jessica Bondy, the founder of Words Matter, highlighted the importance of acknowledging the scale and impact of childhood verbal abuse. She called for collective efforts to recognize and combat such actions to ensure children can flourish.

This study also noted a potential shift in the landscape of childhood abuse, with emotional abuse on the rise while physical and sexual abuse has declined, a trend observed since 2014 as reported by the World Health Organization and other sources cited in the study.

To address this concerning issue, researchers urged consistency in defining childhood verbal abuse, allowing for accurate measurement of its prevalence and impact, as well as the development of effective interventions. Resources available on the Words Matter website encourage adults to refrain from shouting, insults, putdowns, or name-calling when communicating with children. It also advises adults to think before speaking and take steps to repair relationships with children after hurtful words have been exchanged.

Elizabeth Gershoff, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin specializing in parental discipline, stressed the importance of avoiding critique while shouting and considering the age and temperament of the child. Toddlers may only absorb frustration, while older children may react differently to yelling.

This study serves as a wake-up call to society, emphasizing the critical need to address childhood verbal abuse as a significant public health issue and take concrete steps to protect the well-being of children.

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Achieving and Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Tips for a Healthier You

Your weight might not be what it was 20 years ago, but you can still attain a healthy weight that improves your overall well-being.

In the quest for a healthy weight, many individuals often wonder what the ideal number on the scale should be. Is it the same as it was two decades ago, or should it be a certain number to meet societal standards? The truth is, there’s no universal number that fits everyone, but there are guidelines to help you reach and maintain a weight that promotes good health.

Two essential indicators for assessing your weight’s healthiness are the Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference. BMI measures your weight in relation to your height, categorizing individuals into different weight statuses. However, it’s important to note that BMI doesn’t consider belly fat, which can have significant health implications. Waist circumference accounts for this, with women measuring more than 35 inches and men measuring more than 40 inches being at higher risk for health problems associated with excess belly fat.

To measure your waist correctly, place a tape measure around your midsection just above your hipbones and measure it right after you exhale.

Getting Started

Embarking on a journey to a healthier weight doesn’t necessarily mean losing a substantial amount of weight. Shedding just 5% to 10% of your body weight, which can be as little as 10 to 20 pounds for someone weighing 200 pounds, can have a remarkable impact on your health. For those with diabetes, it may lead to better blood sugar management and reduced reliance on medication.

Establishing a healthy weight goal is one thing, but achieving it can be a different challenge. While quick-fix diet plans may yield rapid results, they often lead to weight regain. Instead, the key is to create an eating plan that incorporates healthy foods and is sustainable in the long term.

Food for Life

A sustainable eating plan should revolve around two key principles: it should be based on healthy foods and something you can maintain over time. What works best for you may vary, as some opt to reduce sugar and increase protein intake, while others focus on consuming more fruits and vegetables to curb unhealthy cravings. Consulting with a registered dietitian or diabetes educator can provide personalized guidance and support.

Physical Activity

Physical activity plays a pivotal role in improving your overall well-being. While it may not lead to significant weight loss on its own, combining it with a balanced diet can enhance your weight management efforts. The recommended guidelines include at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, along with strength-training exercises for all major muscle groups on two or more days a week.

For individuals with diabetes, physical activity can enhance insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the need for medication and aiding in weight control.

Willpower Isn’t Enough

While willpower is valuable, it may not be sufficient to achieve and maintain a healthier weight. Creating an environment that minimizes temptation and fosters healthy habits is crucial. Strategies include keeping unhealthy foods out of your home, avoiding buffet-style restaurants, and ensuring you don’t become excessively hungry. Additionally, preparing your meals and setting out workout gear in advance can help you stay on track.

Sleep Helps

Adequate sleep is integral to successful weight management. Insufficient sleep can increase hunger and cravings, especially for calorie-dense foods. Establishing a relaxing nighttime routine, avoiding screens before bedtime, and maintaining a dark, cool bedroom can contribute to better sleep quality.

Write It When You Bite It

Keeping a food diary is one of the most effective predictors of weight loss success. Contrary to the perception of being time-consuming, it takes less than 15 minutes a day on average. Consistently recording at least three entries each day can yield significant results.

Find Your Motivation

Sustained weight loss often stems from motivations beyond mere aesthetics. Whether it’s improved health, increased energy, or the desire to engage more actively with loved ones, identifying a meaningful goal can bolster your weight management journey.

More Tips

  • Opt for higher-protein, lower-carb meals to control hunger and appetite.
  • Choose carbohydrates rich in fiber and low in added sugar.
  • Swap sweetened beverages for water to reduce calorie intake and blood sugar fluctuations.
  • Stay physically active to maintain motivation and prevent weight regain.
  • Embrace learning from occasional setbacks as part of the human experience.

Remember, achieving a healthy weight is a highly personalized journey. By incorporating these tips and staying committed to your goals, you can enhance your overall health and well-being, regardless of where the scale may have been in the past.

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เผยรายงานจากศูนย์ควบคุมและป้องกันโรคสหรัฐอเมริกา(CDC) ระบุว่าภูมิคุ้มกันตามธรรมชาติจาก COVID-19 อาจมีประสิทธิภาพมากกว่าวัคซีน

ตามรายงานล่าสุดจากศูนย์ควบคุมและป้องกันโรค (CDC) ของสหรัฐอเมริกา ระบุว่าภูมิคุ้มกันตามธรรมชาติ (Natural Immunity) ที่เกิดจากการติดเชื้อโควิด อาจมีประสิทธิภาพเหนือกว่าภูมิคุ้มกันที่ได้รับจากการฉีดวัคซีน

ข้อมูลนี้ได้รับการศึกษาโดยการสำรวจอาสาสมัครที่เข้าร่วมโครงการ กว่า 1.1 ล้านคน ซึ่งในรัฐแคลิฟอร์เนียมีจำนวน 752,781 คน และรัฐนิวยอร์ก จำนวน 355,819 คน รายงานเผยแพร่ในวันที่ 28 มกราคม 2022 และให้ความเห็นว่าข้อมูลนี้อาจมีผลกระทบต่อนโยบายการฉีดวัคซีนเข็มกระตุ้น (Booster Shot) ในอนาคต ว่าจำเป็นหรือไม่

ข้อมูลจาก CDC สามารถสรุปได้ดังนี้:

  • หากใช้ผู้ที่ไม่ได้รับวัคซีนเป็นฐาน (Reference) ในการเปรียบเทียบ พบว่าผู้ที่ได้รับวัคซีนมีความเสี่ยงต่อการเจ็บป่วยลดลง 6.2 เท่า (ในแคลิฟอร์เนีย) และ 4.5 เท่า (ในนิวยอร์ก)
  • ผู้ไม่เคยได้รับวัคซีน แต่เคยติดเชื้อตามธรรมชาติ มีความเสี่ยงต่อการเจ็บป่วยลดลง 29 เท่า (ในแคลิฟอร์เนีย) และ 14.7 เท่า (ในนิวยอร์ก)
  • ผู้ที่ได้รับวัคซีนและเคยติดเชื้อตามธรรมชาติ มีความเสี่ยงต่อการเจ็บป่วยลดลงถึง 32.5 เท่า (ในแคลิฟอร์เนีย) และ 19.8 เท่า (ในนิวยอร์ก)

เราอาจต้องพิจารณาใหม่ว่าวัคซีนเข็มกระตุ้นมีความจำเป็นหรือไม่ในอนาคต และอาจต้องพิจารณาให้แก่กลุ่มที่จะได้ประโยชน์มากที่สุด เช่นกลุ่มเสี่ยงที่สูงขึ้น 608 (ผู้สูงอายุ 60 ปีขึ้นไป, กลุ่ม 7 โรคเรื้อรัง, และหญิงตั้งครรภ์) และการรักษาที่มีความแม่นยำ (Precision Medicine) เพื่อให้การป้องกันต่อการติดเชื้อโรคนี้เป็นไปอย่างมีประสิทธิภาพ อนาคตอาจจะต้องพิจารณาให้ตรวจเลือดเพื่อวัดระดับภูมิคุ้มกันก่อนที่จะมีการฉีดวัคซีนเข็มกระตุ้นแก่คนทั่วไป เพื่อตรวจสอบว่าเคยติดเชื้อโควิดมาก่อนหรือไม่

รายงานข้อมูลที่เผยแพร่จาก CDC ครั้งนี้อาจส่งผลต่อการปรับเปลี่ยนนโยบายการฉีดวัคซีนเข็มกระตุ้นในอนาคต การวิเคราะห์ข้อมูลนี้เป็นสาระสำคัญที่จะต้องพิจารณาในการวางแผนระบบป้องกันโรคและการรับมือกับการระบาดของโรค COVID-19 ในอนาคต.

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Aortic Aneurysms Pose Serious Health Risks in the United States

In a recent US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) report, aortic aneurysms have emerged as a significant health concern in the United States. Aortic aneurysms, characterized by balloon-like bulges in the aorta, the body’s largest artery responsible for transporting blood from the heart throughout the body, can have fatal consequences when left untreated.

A Silent Threat

Aortic aneurysms can manifest in two critical ways: dissections and ruptures, both of which can lead to severe complications and even death. Dissections occur when the force of blood pumping splits the layers of the artery wall, causing blood to leak between them. Ruptures, on the other hand, involve the complete bursting of the aneurysm, leading to internal bleeding.

Alarming Statistics

Statistics from 2019 reveal the gravity of the situation, with aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections responsible for a staggering 9,904 deaths in that year alone. Men appear to be particularly vulnerable, accounting for approximately 59% of these fatalities. Furthermore, a history of smoking plays a significant role, contributing to roughly 75% of all abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Preventive Measures

To combat this growing health crisis, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has issued recommendations for men aged 65 to 75, who have a history of smoking. These individuals are advised to undergo ultrasound screenings for abdominal aortic aneurysms, even in the absence of symptoms. Early detection and intervention can be critical in preventing severe outcomes.

Types of Aortic Aneurysms

Aortic aneurysms are categorized into two primary types: thoracic and abdominal.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: These occur in the chest and are equally likely to affect both men and women, becoming more common as individuals age. High blood pressure and sudden injuries are common causes. Symptoms may include sharp chest or upper back pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Located below the chest, these aneurysms are more prevalent among men and those aged 65 and older. Atherosclerosis (hardened arteries) is a common cause, and they often present without symptoms. Symptoms, when they occur, may include throbbing or deep back or side pain, as well as discomfort in the buttocks, groin, or legs.

Other Types of Aneurysms

Aneurysms can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain or peripheral arteries. Ruptured brain aneurysms can result in strokes, while peripheral aneurysms, though less likely to rupture, can cause blood clots that impede blood flow through the affected artery.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors contribute to the development of aortic aneurysms, including smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and certain inherited connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. A family history of aortic aneurysms can also elevate an individual’s risk.

Treatment Options

Medications and surgery are the primary treatment methods for aortic aneurysms. Medications aim to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of aneurysm development. In contrast, surgery involves repairing or replacing the affected section of the aorta, depending on the severity of the condition.

As aortic aneurysms continue to pose a substantial health risk in the United States, early detection, lifestyle modifications, and timely medical intervention are crucial in mitigating this potentially life-threatening condition. Stay informed and prioritize your health to reduce the risk of aortic aneurysms and their devastating consequences.

Source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention