Despite the not-so-glamorous subject matter, my short news piece for kids about San Francisco’s dog poop recycling looks great! You can check it out on page 5 of the Sept/Oct 2006 issue of KNOW–The Science Magazine for Curious Kids (published in Canada, for ages 6–9).
Laurie Thompson
In over their heads?
Here’s another somewhat controversial topic: should babies and young children take swimming lessons? The AAP says they’re not ready, but many parents (including myself) believe there are big benefits to starting early.
“Should your baby swim?, ParentMap, July 2006
World’s Deadliest Catastrophe
On May 14th, the UN sought to remind people that the Congo remains world’s deadliest catastrophe. The problem is, who in the world even knows that 1,200 people are dying there every day, or that three months ago the United Nations launched an appeal for $682 million to provide the needed water, food, medical assistance, shelter and protection? Yes, we’re all distracted. Yes, there are other crises to tend to in Africa and elsewhere around the world. But let’s face it, there are countries in the world who can, and should, step up. The people of the Congo have suffered long enough.
Hot topic — bed sharing
I enjoy doing these Decision Digest columns for BabyMap because I get to explore both sides of a controversial topic and then try to present an unbiased summary of all the pros and cons. So many of the questions we encounter as parents don’t have a “right” answer. We gather all the (often conflicting) information we can, and then we have to just make the decision that feels like the best fit for us. I hope this article will help parents feel good about their choice and their reasons for making it, whatever they decide.
“Should you share a bed with your baby?”, BabyMap, Spring/Summer 2006
Reducing birth defects benefits the entire population
Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah was born in Ghana without the tibia in his right leg, leaving it deformed and useless. His father abandoned him. His mother was told to kill him. That is just what it means to be disabled in Ghana.
Fortunately, his mother was strong, and raised Yeboah to have high expectations for himself, even if nobody else did. In 2002, at the age of 25, he rode a donated bicycle 360 miles across Ghana – with one leg – and showed his entire country that the disabled could be very able indeed. His story became a movie that continues to inspire.
When I heard Emmanuel’s story, I too was inspired by his incredible triumph. I was enraged by the plight of the disabled in Ghana. But even more, I wondered what causes all those disabilities in the first place? Could they be prevented, and if so, what effects would that have on Ghanaian society?
The March of Dimes Global Report on Birth Defects might offer some answers, and will hopefully spark some positive change. According to a March of Dimes press release about the report:
“…it is a common misconception that attention to birth defects will draw funding from other priority public health efforts — when, in fact, increased efforts to reduce birth defects in children contributes to the health of the entire population.
Experience from high-income countries shows that overall mortality and disability from birth defects could be reduced by up to 70 percent if the recommendations in this report were broadly implemented…
Among the interventions that would have immediate impact are:
- folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects;
- iodination of salt to prevent severe congenital hypothyroidism; and
- rubella immunization to prevent congenital rubella syndrome.”
I think it’s a great place to start. If you agree, go to http://www.marchofdimes.com/howtohelp/howtohelp.asp.
Mountains Beyond Mountains
If you ever find yourself searching for inspiration about the feasibility of attempting to change the world, then you must read Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World, by Tracy Kidder. It is about the efforts of Dr. Farmer to bring health care to the poorest of the poor, mostly in Haiti, through his organization Partners in Health. While he focuses on the needs of his individual patients, Dr. Farmer has achieved and continues to work for true global change. Tracy Kidder shows that Dr. Farmer is an extraordinary human being, but is nonetheless extraordinarily human.
Organized chaos
“Help your preschooler control toy chaos”, ParentMap, March 2006
Integrated preschools, for kids with and without disabilities
This was one of those topics that I definitely had an opinion on before I even started. Fortunately, that always makes me even more careful to research thoroughly. It’s always fun to do an article where the research and interviews force me to completely change my previously uninformed opinions. This one will stand out in my mind for a long time, and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to write it.
“Integrated preschools provide benefits, lessons for all”, EveryChild Special Supplement, Spring/Summer 2006
They’re only baby teeth… Why bother?
“Taking care of your preschooler’s teeth”, ParentMap, February 2006
Simply elegant
I first learned about the Riders for Health organization on PBS’ Rx for Survival television series. The concept is simple: give motorcycles to Africa’s health workers and train them to ride and repair them themselves. With this transportation, they can effectively distribute aid and administer basic health care to remote villages. The impact is nothing short of revolutionary.