American Academy of Pediatrics

AAP, in a new policy statement, calls for the creation of universal paid family and medical leave to care for a newborn or sick family member. Research shows paid leave has major health benefits to both the baby and the parents – including lower rates of preterm birth, higher rates of breastfeeding, reduced child mortality rates, and decreased rates of postpartum depression. Yet in this country, paid leave is only available to 6% - 27% of the workforce. Learn more and read the policy statement in AAP News: https://lnkd.in/eaRXX9Mp

Elected leaders at all levels of government will shape policies that impact the health of children and families. Pediatrician Lisa M. Costello talks about the importance of having a voting plan this election season so that you can cast your vote and #VoteKids. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gbdshE4x

Pediatricians have access to a unique sector of the voting population through their interactions with teenagers and young adults and with the parents, grandparents and caregivers of their patients. In her AAP Voices blog, pediatrician Elizabeth Hubbard talks about the nonpartisan voter mobilization efforts she is involved with at her hospital and through groups like Vot-ER. Learn more in her AAP Voices blog and remember to #VoteKids: https://lnkd.in/e8QXYg4V

With the upcoming election approaching, pediatrician Amrita Stark was trying to find a way to reach her patients and remind teens to register to vote. Dr. Stark started a postcard writing campaign where providers mailed cards to voting-age patients that included links to nonpartisan voter registration sites. Learn more about Dr. Stark’s campaign in her AAP Voices blog and remember to #VoteKids: https://lnkd.in/decibDjg

An updated policy from AAP says that cheerleaders should be treated like student athletes and benefit from the same protections and medical oversight as other athletes. Despite the large number of athletes in the sport, cheerleading is not recognized as a sport federally or by the NCAA which means there’s less oversight and enforcement of safety protocols. As student athletes, cheerleaders should receive routine physical exams, supervision by qualified coaches certified in training and stunts, and age-appropriate safety guidelines. Learn more in AAP News: https://lnkd.in/eW_5wJ3F

October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month. Effective care coordination is critical to a successful transition of care for children and young adults with spina bifida. AAP has resources and guides you can use in your practice including presentations, ECHO lectures, infographics and more: https://lnkd.in/eBJUeC-P #SBAM2024

Three years ago, AAP, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), and Children’s Hospital Association declared an emergency in youth mental health. While we have seen some policy progress, there is still so much work to do to best support the needs of young people. We call on all elected leaders to advance policies that prioritize the healthy mental and emotional development of young people.

Pediatricians and primary care physicians can help improve the health and well-being of patients with spina bifida. AAP has resources and information on effective care coordination and transitional care for pediatricians caring for youth with spina bifida. Check out our newest videos on transition support for adolescents moving into adult care to learn how to make the transition smoother for patients: https://lnkd.in/eBJUeC-P #SBAM2024

In the midst of the Jewish High Holidays and on the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attack in Israel, AAP President Benjamin Hoffman said in a statement that: “The American Academy of Pediatrics condemns antisemitism and its impacts on children’s health and safety. The AAP has long stood against any form of hate or discrimination, recognizing the toll it takes on communities and on children’s health and development… Antisemitism, like any other form of hate and bigotry, has no place in medicine and no place in this or any other country. Today, the AAP reiterates our commitment to combat antisemitism, support our members, and advocate for children.” To read the full statement: https://lnkd.in/e5M6JqQG

With the rising rates of depression, anxiety and suicide among our youth, it has never been more critical to establish the foundation for mental health in early childhood. Join AAP and Sesame Workshop for a webinar on nurturing mental health from an early age hosted by the Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health. Join us on Wednesday October 9th at Noon ET/11 CT. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eHJ7ve-f