Zika Corner
CDC Updates Guidance on Interpretation of Zika Testing Results for Pregnant Women
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Alert Notice with updated guidance for health care professionals to interpret Zika test results for women who live in, or frequently travel (daily or weekly) to areas with a CDC Zika travel notice.
Pregnancy Outcomes Following Zika Virus Infection During Pregnancy in U.S. Territories
This report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides new information on 2,549 cases of pregnant women with possible Zika virus infection who completed their pregnancies in the U.S. territories. The data, from Jan. 1, 2016 to April 25, 2017, include how many fetuses and infants had birth defects potentially associated with Zika infections in their mothers, and how those infections varied by the trimester in which the mother was infected.
Measures Taken to Prevent Zika virus Infection during Pregnancy among Women with a Recent Live Birth
In this article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, scientists at the Puerto Rico Department of Health and the CDC describe behaviors and experiences related to Zika virus prevention during pregnancy among women in Puerto Rico who were pregnant during the Zika virus outbreak. The
findings could inform prevention messaging and interventions for pregnant women
who may be exposed to Zika virus in Puerto Rico.
General & Maternal Child Health
What is Health Equity and What Difference Does a Definition Make?
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation published a report to stimulate discussion and promote greater consensus about the meaning of "health equity." The report highlights elements to guide action and research on the topic.
New Database Highlights Community-Based Oral Health Programs
The Administration for Community Living and the Office on Women's Health debuted a website on oral health. The site features a searchable database of nearly
200 community-based oral health programs for a wide range of consumers,
including people with physical disabilities, intellectual or developmental
disabilities, and older adults.
Parenting Matters
The National Academy of Sciences published a report on the role of parents in the lives of young children. The report reviews research on parenting practices, identifies
effective practices, and recommends ways agencies and others can support
interventions that help parents learn effective parenting strategies.
Child & Adolescent Health
Disparities in Diabetes Deaths Among Children and Adolescents
This Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention summarizes data from 2000 through 2014, finding that despite increases in diabetes prevalence and incidence among children and adolescents, there was no significant increase in diabetes mortality.
Increasing Children's Physical Activity in the United States
Health Affairs published an article on the importance of increasing physical activity among children. The article states that quantifying economic and
health effects of a physical activity intervention would help decision-makers
understand its impact and priority.
Transitioning to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities
This transition guide from the federal Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services addresses opportunities and programs for students and youth with disabilities; transition services and requirements; education and employment options after secondary school; and support for their decisions.
Genetic Evaluation of Children with Delays for Fragile X Syndrome
This supplement to the June issue of Pediatrics summarizes the state of children living with fragile X syndrome and calls for earlier identification of the syndrome using genetic testing. Additional resources, including a handout
for families, are available.
Legislation and Policy in MCH
Good Food, Great Kids Policy Research Report
The National Farm to School Network and the BUILD Initiative published a policy report to share information about experiences in building farm into early childcare and education policies. The report says that forging greater connections between policies and the work of farm-to-early childcare and education, such as through food procurement and experiential learning through activities like gardening, can benefit childcare centers, children, and families.
Paid Family Leave
The Urban Institute published a brief that illustrates the patchwork of public and private policies that do not meet the needs of working mothers. The brief highlights implementation choices that
must be made as policymakers consider plans for a national paid leave policy.