THW | In the News

HPV Vaccine Recommended for Canadian Males

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:30:37 -0500

The Canadian government now advises boys and young men age 9 to 26 receive the vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV). Since October 2011, the U.S. government has recommended the same thing for American males. Both genders can carry and spread HPV, a sexually transmitted virus. Both sexes also develop diseases because of it. HPV is linked to genital warts, anal cancer, and mouth cancer. In women, 99 percent of cervical cancers are caused by HPV. About 20 million Americans and 3 to 9 million Canadians are currently infected with the virus.

Did You Notice Some of Your Favorite Web Sites Go Dark?

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:06:08 -0500

No, the Internet isn’t breaking. This past week, thousands of Web sites—from Google and Wikipedia to personal blogs—protested the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA). These proposed laws are designed to stop counterfeiting and illegal downloading of movies, TV shows, and music. However, a lot of people think these laws would go too far. They think SOPA and PIPA could harm freedom of expression and lead to online censorship. For instance, they say Web sites could be shut down without much proof of wrongdoing—a little like police searching your house without a warrant.

Fighting ADHD by Eating Healthy and Going “Green”

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:14:15 -0500

If you’re a teen with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may follow a special diet to try to lessen your symptoms. And according to a new study, diet can help—but maybe not in the way you thought. Researchers found experimental or restrictive diets were hard to maintain and not very effective. Instead, they recommend simply eating a normal, healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. What else can you do? Another study found that spending time in green, outdoor spaces (like parks or soccer fields) made ADHD symptoms less severe.

Studies Show Links Between Sleep and Diabetes

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:42:06 -0500

Teens with type I diabetes have lighter sleep stages and often do not get a good night’s sleep, according to a new study. What’s worse, this lack of sleep interferes with the teen body’s ability to keep blood sugar levels stable. Long-term complications can include kidney, nerve, and eye damage. According to another study, poor sleep increases the chances of obese teens developing type II diabetes. About 26 million Americans and 9 million Canadians have diabetes.

Marijuana Use in American Teens Reaches Historic High

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:06:59 -0500

According to a new study, teen binge drinking and cigarette smoking are declining steadily, but marijuana use is climbing. Twenty-five percent of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders have used marijuana in the past year. Almost 7 percent of high school students smoke pot on a daily basis. Despite the dangers of dependency, carcinogens, and respiratory damage, many teens say they view marijuana as a low-risk drug.

Facebook Adds Anti-Suicide Feature

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:25:14 -0500

A new Facebook program is designed to quickly deliver help to users who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. If you see a friend post a suicidal comment, you can now click a link next to the posting. Facebook will put your friend in touch with a counselor from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline using Facebook’s chat messaging program. You can also use the Report Suicidal Content page to get help for a friend. These features encourage friends to speak up when they see trouble.

Teens Struggling Against HIV in Asia

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:13:08 -0500

About 160,000 young people in Asia are infected with HIV, the disease that causes AIDS. The anti-HIV drugs they rely on are becoming less effective—and might be causing serious side effects. According to new research, HIV-infected teenagers in Asia are showing early signs of osteoporosis, a bone disease more commonly found in the elderly. This may be a side effect of some anti-HIV drugs, as well as HIV itself. In addition, Asian youths are experiencing resistance to anti-HIV medication. Many Asian countries rely on older, cheaper anti-HIV medications, and scientists think these are becoming less effective.

Watch Your Head! Teen Concussions Last Longer Than Previously Thought

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:31:02 -0500

A study from the journal Pediatrics shows that teen athletes experience damage from concussions for up to a month after injury. While no serious structural damage was seen in concussed teen brains, researchers found that blood flow to the brain sharply decreased. This could affect brain function since it means that nutrients like oxygen are not being delivered. Researchers suggest teens with concussions get plenty of “cognitive” rest to reduce the demands on the brain. If you have serious symptoms, that means taking a couple of sick days.

Is Heart Disease in Your Future?

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:05:13 -0500

Heart disease is the #1 killer in the U.S. and Canada. As bad as it is, researchers believe cardiovascular health will be even worse in the next generation of adults—that means you, teens of today. A new study from Northwestern Medicine says those currently in their teen years will probably end up dying younger than current adults from heart disease. The plaque (fatty build-up in your arteries) that can lead to heart disease in your 40s or 50s starts forming when you’re young. Keeping your heart strong means eating a healthy diet, staying active, and not smoking.

Fighting Obesity—With Earlier Bedtimes

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 01:02:18 -0500

According to a new Australian study, young people who go to bed early are leaner than those who stay up late, even when they get the same amount of shut-eye. Researchers found those who turn in early got more physical activity. Their reduced rates of obesity might be explained by the fact that mornings are simply a better time for being active. Teens who stayed up were much more sedentary. They were three times more likely to sit in front of a TV or computer for long stretches of time.