Access to Marijuana by Minors Via Online Dispensaries.

This cross-sectional study examines online marijuana dispensaries and their age verification procedures to prevent youth access.

Quick nic: novel smokeless nicotine products and pediatric trends.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The development and marketing of smokeless nicotine products in recent years have become increasingly popular among adolescents. In addition to well known conventional inhaled nicotine products, noninhaled products, such as nicotine toothpicks, orbs, lozenges, strips, and more, have dangerously captivated a new youth audience. Although smokeless nicotine products may seem to be less threatening than conventional inhaled nicotine products, there are significant risks associated with the use of these products, including addiction and severe health issues. The purpose of this review is to provide up-to-date information about alternative nicotine products currently on the market that may appeal to youth, and the dangers of nicotine use for pediatric populations. RECENT FINDINGS: Smokeless nicotine products appeal to minors with their varying flavors and discrete packaging. These products may lead to nicotine toxicity as well as severe health problems, such as cancer, issues with reproduction, and heart attacks. Nicotine is extremely dangerous for young children; in fact, using nicotine products before the age of 18 years can lead to addiction and is linked to an increased likelihood of experimenting with stronger nicotine products or illicit drugs. The development of inconspicuous nicotine packaging has led to increasing concerns for accidental nicotine exposure and overdose in youth. SUMMARY: Greater knowledge regarding current nicotine products on the market, specifically smokeless nicotine products, will help clinicians be more aware of the dangers associated with these products. Clinicians will be better able to provide their patients and families with proper guidance to avoid nicotine addiction, further drug use, and detrimental health issues. Caregivers and medical professionals must recognize novel and inconspicuous nicotine products commonly used among youth, understand the signs of nicotine abuse and dependence, and take measures to address possible nicotine-related health risks.

Paediatric cardiologist adherence to American Heart Association neurodevelopmental recommendations for CHD patients.

A 2012 American Heart Association statement concluded that children with CHD are at an increased risk for neurodevelopmental delays. Routine surveillance and evaluation throughout childhood are recommended. To assess paediatric cardiologist compliance with American Heart Association guidelines and developmental referral practices, a survey was distributed to paediatric cardiologists nationwide (n = 129). The majority of participants (69%) stated they were somewhat familiar or not familiar with the American Heart Association statement and were concerned about patients not being properly referred to specialists for developmental evaluation. Forty paediatric cardiologists (31%) indicated that their institution did not have a neurodevelopmental cardiology programme. Of these, 25% indicated they generally did not refer CHD patients for neurodevelopmental evaluation, 45% performed surveillance and referred if warranted, and 30% generally referred all patients for surveillance. Lastly, 43% of paediatric cardiologists did not feel responsible for developmental surveillance, and 11% did not feel responsible for referrals. To ensure all children with CHD are appropriately screened and referred, paediatricians and cardiologists must work together to address differing impressions of accountability for surveillance and screening of children with CHD.

Pediatric strength training: benefits, concerns, and current trends.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With the advent of social media combined with several large-scale promotions by nationwide gym chains, pediatric interest in strength training has reached new heights during the past few years. While this is a healthy way for young gym users to build strength and stay active, there are significant risks associated with improper utilization of exercise resources. Lack of adult supervision and guidance in the gym can lead to physical injury, inappropriate use of supplements, and body image issues. The purpose of this review is to provide pediatricians with up-to-date information about well tolerated exercise practices for pubertal and prepubertal youth. RECENT FINDINGS: Current exercise trends may negatively impact both the physical and mental health of participants. Various physical injuries may occur when adolescents use gym equipment incorrectly under inadequate adult supervision. Use of unproven equipment such as waist trainers may cause bodily injury, and social media content on exercising and weight loss can negatively influence adolescent body image. Potential consequences include low self-esteem and uncommon body dysmorphic disorders, such as muscle dysmorphia. Further, the intense marketing of supplements can induce pediatric gym users to engage in inappropriate consumption behaviors. The increasing accessibility of commercial gyms to youth has increased the potential for children and adolescents to be exposed to such physical and mental health hazards. SUMMARY: Greater knowledge regarding strength training techniques will help pediatricians guide their patients toward well tolerated and healthy gym habits. Caregivers and medical professionals should recognize the necessity of supervision, as well as the dangers of incorrect equipment use and unsafe trends to mitigate risks and maximize benefits of pediatric gym use.

The gut microbiome: an overview of current trends and risks for paediatric populations.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Gut health is an increasingly popular topic of discussion among scientists and the general population alike. As interest surrounding the gut microbiome grows, the accessibility to misinformation and unfounded gut health trends to youth is likely to emerge as a public health concern. The purpose of this review is to provide paediatricians with current information about the gut microbiome, as well as explanations and possible risks of the multitude of gut health trends that adolescents may be exposed to. RECENT FINDINGS: The gut microbiome is implicated in overall health by playing roles in digestion, immunity and mental health. Novel microbiome-related therapies, such as faecal microbiota transplants, and the gut-brain link show the therapeutic potential of the gut microbiome. However, unproven dietary fads and trends on social media are rampant as well, such as ginger juice shots. In addition, paediatric supplements meant to target gut health are unregulated, yet are highly marketed. Improperly applying these trends and diets may result in risks of malnutrition and body image issues for impressionable children. SUMMARY: Increased familiarity regarding the types of gut health trends and diets among young people will allow paediatricians to more effectively advise their patients about potential risks and good gut health practices. Paediatricians and caregivers serve as role models and educators with regard to children's perceptions and management of their gut and overall health.

Alternative diets among adolescents: facts or fads?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With rising rates of chronic noninfectious diseases across the United States thought to be associated with the average American diet, many have adopted alternative diets. Most of these diets promise weight reduction via adherence to strict dietary guidelines, often removing certain types of food. With access to a plethora of information online, it is easy for adolescents to become confused when making dietary decisions. Although these diets promise benefits, it is important to understand common shortcomings and how to overcome them for safe implementation among adolescents. RECENT FINDINGS: This review discusses the theory, implementation, and risks associated with intermittent fasting as well as vegetarian, vegan, ketogenic, Atkins, Paleolithic, and Mediterranean diets. These considerations are further modified for pediatric populations with a focus on the social influences on dieting. SUMMARY: Although these diets may be promising, successful adherence to them requires addressing possible shortcomings associated with a certain diet. Pediatricians should be aware of how these dietary strategies may be properly implemented in order to prevent any harm to the patient. Empowering the patient and their families through informational resources is recommended. Pediatricians should also discuss motivations underlying their patient's dietary changes in order to determine whether these motivations are healthy.

TikTok, Tide Pods and Tiger King: health implications of trends taking over pediatric populations.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With children and adolescents constantly connected to their devices in an ever-changing technological landscape, new and emerging trends in entertainment media have created potential health implications for pediatric patients. The purpose of this review is to provide pediatricians with explanations of specific trends on streaming services, the popular new mobile application TikTok, recent widespread 'Internet Challenges' that include pediatric participants, and new technologies. These emerging trends can pose potential harms to the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent reports and news articles have discussed popular technological trends and the adverse effects that can occur. Although technology provides access to information and social connection for youth, it also creates platforms where children can be exposed to disturbing content, peer pressure, cyberbullying, and encouragement to participate in activities that could cause potential physical harm or even death. SUMMARY: Pediatricians need to be aware of trends to best understand the implications of these technologies, especially in clinical practice. Pediatricians play an important role in educating parents and patients about the risks of these trends, in facilitating conversations about related topics including self-esteem, cyberbullying and peer pressure to promote healthy internet use, and providing necessary resources.

The cannabidiol conundrum: potential benefits and risks of cannabidiol products for children.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Since the federal ban on hemp products was lifted in December 2018, cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid derived from hemp, has become increasingly popular and accessible. CBD is sold in the form of oils, tablets, and foods in locations including gas stations, cafés, and drug stores. Despite a lack of reliable evidence, many parents praise its purported therapeutic effects on a variety of childhood ailments. RECENT FINDINGS: Epidiolex was the first CBD-based medication to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2018 for the treatment of two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, known as Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome, in patients of at least 2 years of age. Its efficacy was assessed through three randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled trials in a sample of 516 patients with either Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome. Despite this development, there are few or no large-scale, rigorous studies concerning the effects of CBD on any other pediatric conditions that parents have tried to alleviate with CBD. The purpose of this review is to explore recent literature regarding the efficacy and safety of CBD in treating various health conditions in children; the risks of consuming CBD products, and the role of pediatricians in helping parents navigate often-confusing information about CBD. SUMMARY: Although CBD use has dramatically increased in recent years, both its potential to treat conditions and its risks have not yet been subjected to rigorous study. Pediatricians should be aware of the risks posed by poor-quality standards and labeling practices for cannabinoid products. Due to the confusing nature of the numerous sources of information about CBD, pediatricians are in a position to provide and clarify information about CBD to parents and understand the risks it poses to children.

Digital sextortion: Internet predators and pediatric interventions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sextortion is defined as the act of coercing people into sending explicit images of themselves and subsequently blackmailing victims with the public release of said images. Prosecutions of sextortion cases involving minors have increased almost two-fold in the past 5 years. The purpose of this review is to explore the literature regarding the behavior of both victims and perpetrators, the effects on victims, and the support resources available for clinicians, victims, and parents. RECENT FINDINGS: Sextortion begins as an unassuming request for personal pictures and quickly escalates. Minors targeted by predators fear both punishment by guardians and the social consequences that follow the release of their explicit pictures. This cycle of victimization endangers minors and may lead to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Recently, sextortion cases have risen to the forefront of national attention through the mainstream media with celebrities revealed as both perpetrators and victims. This higher visibility of sextortion highlights the importance of reviewing recent research regarding minors and their online behavior and the tactics of perpetrators. SUMMARY: Sextortion, an extreme form of cyber abuse, endangers minors and may lead to anxiety and depression. Pediatricians should be familiar with the concept of sextortion and discuss its dangers and available resources with parents and minors.

Pokémon Go and augmented virtual reality games: a cautionary commentary for parents and pediatricians.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The recent release of Pokémon Go has ushered in a new set of challenges for parents and pediatricians, highlighting the importance of parents setting guidelines for video game use with their children. Within 1 week of its launch, the game attracted over 65 million users, many of whom are young children. Despite the potential benefits of the game described in our article, this location-based game format poses specific threats to the safety and physical wellbeing of children. RECENT FINDINGS: Reports have discussed both the benefits and adverse effects of this extremely popular video game. Benefits include increased exercise, socialization, and outdoor activity. Negative effects include increased risk of injury, abduction, trespassing, violence, and cost. SUMMARY: Pediatricians play a key role in counseling parents and children about safety precautions and setting appropriate limits for impressionable youth. Parents and pediatricians should be aware of this new and remarkably popular game that appeals to a wide variety of individuals. To protect children from injury, predators, and inappropriate situations, parents and pediatricians must regulate children's participation in this game and maintain vigilance for potentially dangerous circumstances.