The Journal of Injury Prevention announced that overweight children are more likely to sustain arm and leg fractures than thinner children when involved in a car crash according to researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

There is evidence that overweight children’s bones may be more likely to fracture. Also, by being larger, heavier children’s bodies are closer to the inside of the car, putting them in danger of a more forceful impact. These findings mirror what occurs for adults involved in car crashes who are overweight.

Heavier children are more than twice as likely as their thinner friends to sustain arm and leg fractures.  Thinner children are more likely to sustain injury to the pelvis, thigh bone and collar bone.

Evidence shows that overweight children may have lesser levels of vitamin D, which could lead to weaker long bones in the arms and legs.

Above all else, researchers suggest that children always be properly restrained when riding in vehicles. Children under the age of 13 should always ride in the back seat.

Copyright 2009 Briggs & Counsel

Time Magazine has a recent article of interest to all Maine parents. Time has reported that a government study shows that our Maine children are at greater risk for childhood cancer than children raised in places like California, Florida and the Midwest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have just issued a study showing that there are 179 cases of cancer per million in children in the New England states, versus 159, 166 and 165 cases per million for children in the South, Midwest and West.

That’s troubling news for Maine parents and their children. If there’s a silver lining to this dark cloud it’s twofold: First, now we know. We can ask our doctors to check more closely for signs and symptoms of childhood cancers. Second, we have access to top-notch pediatric cancer centers here in the northeast.

If you have more questions about this study, log on to the government’s website at: http://www.cdc.gov/

Alison Wholey Mynick, RN, Esq. , June 4, 2008