Sun protection, probiotics and parental smoking cessation.
OBJECTIVE
This article addresses three areas where new research demonstrates the potential to impact the health of children and adolescents: sun protection, probiotic use, and parental smoking cessation.


RESULTS
Skin cancer rates are rising, and sun exposure in childhood and exposure to tanning beds are important preventable risk factors. Research on the use of probiotics to treat a variety of intestinal and nonintestinal diseases is expanding. By counseling parents about smoking cessation, pediatricians can assist in decreasing childhood exposure to harmful second-hand and third-hand smoke.


CONCLUSIONS
New research on probiotic use in children shows its potential in prevention and treatment of common childhood illnesses. By finding ways to educate patients and parents on the dangers of ultraviolet radiation and smoke exposure, pediatricians can improve both short-term and long-term health of their patients.
Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, GA, USA.
Amy E
AE
Pattishall
Blair J
BJ
Dickinson
Nancy D
ND
Spector
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control; D010290:Parents; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D055108:Sunbathing; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D013473:Sunscreening Agents