Traumatic Childhood Might Take Years Off Adult Life
Released: 9/22/2009 2:00 PM EDT
Embargo expired: 10/6/2009 12:00 AM EDT
Source: Health Behavior News Service

Newswise — Many U.S. children face a terrible burden of stressors that can harm the development of their brains and nervous systems. These stressors can lead to health problems and diseases throughout their lives, ultimately causing some to die prematurely, according to the lead author of a new study.

With all the talk about health care reform recently, I had an experience this week that reminded me what a long way we have to go to truly create quality, accessible care.

Last week, a doctor in our clinic examined a two-year old with 2 small, red pimples on her chest. Because the patient is known to have methicillin resistant staph aureus (MRSA), she prescribed Bactroban, the only effective antibiotic ointment. Unfortunately her mother was rejected at the pharmacy because it wasn't covered by medi-cal.

To make our community a truly healthy one we need and want a lot more. Our children must have more open spaces where they can play safely, cleaner air so they can breathe without worrying that the pollution will trigger an asthma attack, grocery stores close to home that sell fresh produce at reasonable prices, and better schools so our children can learn and build a future for themselves.