Good to Know

x The American Academy of Pediatrics is calling for all children to be screened for heart-related conditions that could lead to cardiac arrest or death.

The group’s new policy, issued this summer, updates previous recommendations which called for screenings for athletes. Now, the group says all children should be screened, regardless of their athletic status, and particularly as they enter middle school or junior high school. About 2,000 individuals younger than age 25 die each year of sudden cardiac death in the United States, excluding sudden infant deaths. While autopsy studies show that most patients had structural heart anomalies, the causes for 6%-40% of deaths remain unexplained. “We tended to focus on athletes in the past when parents brought their children and teens in for a sports physical, or preparticipation exam,” said Christopher C. Erickson, MD, FAAP, lead author of the statement. “We know today that all children and teens benefit from a simple screening to help identify any potential problem that warrants follow-up with a cardiac specialist.” The AAP’s new guidance should help pediatricians identify children at risk for heart-related problems. The screening itself consists of four questions that ask if a child or teen has ever fainted, had an unexplained seizure, experienced chest pain or shortness of breath, as well as if family members have a history of cardiac conditions or death before age 50. The screening should be incorporated into a child’s regular exam at least every two to three years, the group says. If there is a concern, an electrocardiogram should be the first test administered, and it should be interpreted by a physician trained to recognize electrical heart disease. The doctor should factor in a patient’s clinical history and consider referral to a specialist. The AAP also says pediatricians should advocate for emergency action plans and CPR training within the community. The use of automated external defibrillators is effective, as well, in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. “No single screening strategy will detect every possible heart issue, and so it’s important that we raise awareness and education not only in pediatric offices but within the community,” Dr. Erickson said. “We encourage parents and pediatricians to be alert for any concerning signs or family history.” x Dedicated hours and free museum admission for families with disabilities are part of the Discovery Museum’s upcoming “Especially for Me” events.

An All Access Afternoon, an event for any family with a developmental disability, will be offered this month on Aug. 15. Play and explore in the museum’s ADA-compliant, and universally designed exhibits during this time dedicated to families with similar experiences. Autism Friendly Afternoons and Afternoons for Families with D/HH and KODA Children are also planned throughout the rest of the year. For all of these programs, the museum is closed to the general public. Advance registration is required. Find out more at discoveryacton.org. x Got a fourth grader? This year they can explore national parks and public lands – for free!

Every year, beginning September 1, all kids in the fourth grade have access to their own Every Kid Outdoors pass, which provides free access to national parks across the country throughout the school year. These federal lands and public waters include millions of acres of national parks, historic structures, cultural artifacts, ancient forests, snowcapped mountains, and clear blue lakes. You can take a big trip or stay close to home -- no matter where you live, you’re within two hours of an included site. Go to everykidoutdoors.gov to sign up for the pass.

w Spanking does not improve a child’s positive behavior – in fact, it can make it worse – according to a review of 69 studies from countries around the globe.

The review, published last month in the journal Lancet, found physical punishment is “harmful to children’s development and well-being,” according to its author. The published review showed that children were more likely to act out after being punished. They also tend to develop external problem behaviors with time. “Parents hit their children because they think doing so will improve their behavior,” the report said. “Unfortunately for parents who hit, our research found clear and compelling evidence that physical punishment does not improve children’s behavior and instead makes it worse.”