Adolescent Obesity

Obesity is clearly a problem that has huge implications not only on the present health of those affected, but on their future health as well. Many researchers have examined the basis of this problem and how to correct it.With a prevalence approaching 20% in the United States, adolescent obesity has become a common problem for…

Secondhand Smoke Associated With Hearing Impairment

Second hand smoke (SHS) associated hearing losses of 15 dB or greater in adolescence is found to be proportional to the level of exposure. In adult former smokers SHS exposure risk, of at least a 25dB impairment, increased 30% and 40% for low/mid and high frequencies, respectively. Never smokers hearing impairment risk increased by 14% for low/mid…

Energy Drinks Can be Toxic to Children

Energy drinks contain pharmacologically active substances in addition to caffeine levels higher than soda drinks. Reports in various countries of the toxicity of these substances has raised serious concern over the safety of children and adolescents. In the USA, 46% of the 5448 caffeine overdoses last year occurred in children and adolescents under the age of 19.…

Marijuana Use Raises Risk of Psychosis

European researchers have found that those who used marijuana during their teens and early 20's were nearly twice (1.9x) as likely to experience psychotic symptoms when compared to those who did not use it. Continued use during the study period was associated with a doubled risk compared to nonusers, and predicted more episodes of psychosis…

The Potential Problem of Kids & Gambling

Have you noticed that gambling is now treated like a sport?Take a minute to go to the ESPN web site and search for the term “poker”. You'll find that ESPN Poker, is an entire section devoted to the game. Times sure have changed! Not long ago, very few people would have considered poker (a form…