InfoTrak

Teens spend hours every day on internet-connected devices, often with little or no supervision. Megan Maas, PhD, Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Michigan State University, certified sexuality educator led a study that found that online sexual experiences can predict a teen’s likelihood of becoming a victim of sexual assault one year later. She outlined the specific patterns of behaviors that can put teenagers at risk. She said she believes teens need to receive much better education to learn how online activities can affect their real life.

Most Americans are aware that the Social Security program will soon run short of money.

William G. Gale, PhD, Arjay and Frances Miller Chair in Federal Economic Policy,

Senior Fellow in the Economic Studies Program at the Brookings Institution discussed the even shakier financial situations of Medicare and Medicaid. He said the Medicare trust fund will run out of money in 2026. He stressed the importance for Congress to either reduce costs, raise taxes or make other major policy changes soon.

Tiffany Munzer, MD, Pediatric Developmental Behavioral Fellow at the University of Michigan led a study that examined parents reading to their children in different book formats: enhanced electronic (with sound effects and/or animation), electronic, and print. The study found that traditional books provide the greatest opportunities for discussion, conversation and parent/child bonding. She said the flashing lights and loud sounds in most e-readers detract from the potential benefits of a shared reading experience.

Tiffany Munzer, MD, Pediatric Developmental Behavioral Fellow at the University of Michigan led a study that examined parents reading to their children in different book formats: enhanced electronic (with sound effects and/or animation), electronic, and print. The study found that traditional books provide the greatest opportunities for discussion, conversation and parent/child bonding. She said the flashing lights and loud sounds in most e-readers detract from the potential benefits of a shared reading experience.

Deborah Schwengel, MD, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Children’s Center

led a comprehensive nationwide study that found that the rate of lawnmower injuries remains at a consistently high level, with most of them requiring surgery and hospitalization. She explained how the most common incidents occur and how adults can take steps to protect children from injury.

Measles outbreaks are spiking worldwide. Michael Mina, PhD, MD, Resident Physician in Clinical Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical Schooldiscussed the reasons behind the soaring rate of infections. He noted that for even those who survive an outbreak, measles can compromise a person’s immune system for up to two years afterwards. He said the MMR vaccinations are proven to be very safe and parents should not hesitate to have their children vaccinated.

Banks are paying customers to open savings and checking accounts. Arielle O'Shea, investing and retirement specialist from Nerdwallet.com said bank account sign-up bonuses may not be as widespread as credit card perks, but they can be lucrative. She outlined some of the fine print consumers need to be aware of before accepting a bonus offer.

Banks are paying customers to open savings and checking accounts. Arielle O'Shea, investing and retirement specialist from Nerdwallet.com said bank account sign-up bonuses may not be as widespread as credit card perks, but they can be lucrative. She outlined some of the fine print consumers need to be aware of before accepting a bonus offer.

Deanna Barch, PhD, Professor of Psychology; Professor of Radiology, chair of the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences in Arts & Sciences and the Gregory B. Couch Professor of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis was the senior author of a study that linked participation in team sports to larger hippocampal volumes in children and less depression in boys ages 9 to 11. The hippocampus is a brain region that plays an important role in memory and how we respond to stress. She said the evidence was particularly strong for children participating in sports that involved structure, such as a school team, a non-school league or regular lessons, as compared to more informal engagement in sports.

For nearly three decades, recyclable materials from the US were shipped cheaply to China for processing. However, in the past year, China has stopped accepting virtually all of it. Kate O'Neill, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management at University of California Berkeley said as a result, local governments and the recycling industry are now facing an unprecedented recycling crisis, especially in plastics. She estimated that, at least for now, nearly 100% of recyclable materials are going into landfills. She discussed the steps that the waste industry is taking to try to fix the problem.