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8A Daily News – Tuesday, May 22, 2012 Vitalityfitness health & young kids (MCT) Around the globe, the leading cause of death for children younger than 5 is pneumonia, accord- ing to a new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. About 18 percent of the deaths are from the infec- tion. That's 1.4 million kids out of 7.6 million who died around the world in 2010. "The numbers are stag- gering," said Dr. Robert Black, senior author of the study, published in the May issue of the Lancet. Pneumonia biggest killer of The bright — and dark — side of the sun Black, chair in the Department of International Health, said other leading causes of death were pre- term birth complications and diarrhea. However, many deaths were not medically certified so he said health officials need to strengthen reporting and accountability. Overall, the researchers found that 64 percent of the deaths were due to infec- tious diseases. The findings also sug- gested that the number of deaths between 200 and 2010 were on the decline — by about 2 million — though not enough to reach world goals of reducing child mortality by two-thirds by 2015. Some causes of death that declined included tetanus, AIDS and malaria. MCT photo Second grade students play at recess at Fairway Elementary School on in Wildwood, Mo. Recently,workers installed sun shades over the playground equipment to give the children shade during play. unofficial start of summer, is nearing and the sun's rays will be at their strongest. Some people will head for the nearest pool, where they'll roast themselves golden brown. They'll also get a dose of Vitamin D that will sustain them for the summer. Others will slather on sunscreen, wear wide-brim hats and take vitamin supple- ments. (MCT) Memorial Day weekend, the no-sun approach is Dr. Michael F. Holick, an endocrinologist and professor of biophysics and physiology at Boston University. In his 2009 book, "The Vitamin D Solu- tion," Holick argues that sun phobia is caus- ing an epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency. He recommends about 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure on the arms and legs two to three times a week. Our relationship with the sun ranges from phobic to "tanorexic," a term coined for people who seem addicted to the sun. The American Academy of Dermatol- ogy recommends leaning toward the phobic. The academy maintains there is no safe amount of sun when it comes to skin cancer risk. dren. Not for adults, and especially not for chil- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that one in five people will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime; more than 2 million people are diagnosed each year. Between 40 percent and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have it at least once. Health experts believe children's skin is particularly vulnerable. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Pre- vention, a few serious sunburns during childhood can increase the risk of skin can- cer later. "We do think kids are more vulnerable, and animal models of melanoma agree with that," said Dr. Lynn Cornelius, chief of der- matology at Washington University. While most health experts agree that pro- fired from Boston University's department of dermatology in 2004. Some health experts, including Holick, His ideas are so controversial that he was believe that Vitamin D deficiencies are con- tributing to a host of health problems beyond osteoporosis, including cardiovascular dis- ease, autoimmune disorders and even can- cer. longed exposure to ultraviolet rays is bad, some think we've gone overboard with pro- tecting ourselves from the sun. Before vitamin supplements and fortified foods, the sun was the only source of Vita- min D. The vitamin promotes calcium absorption, which is essential for bone growth. One of the most outspoken critics of the (MCT) A simple "pull- to-sit" test on infants at six months old may help doc- tors predict autism and other delays, a new study has found. The study by Kennedy Krieger Institute researchers looked at infants at high genetic risk for autism and found many had weak head and neck control. A large number went on to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, though some had other, more mild language or social delays. The test, added to other developmental measure- ments already taken of babies, would provide a red flag for parents of all infants, said Dr. Rebecca Landa, Dr. George Griffing, an endocrinologist and professor of internal medicine at St. Louis University Medical School, won't go that far, but he does agree that the sun is a good source of Vitamin D. In the summer, Griffing suggests spend- ing 10 to 20 minutes a day outdoors wearing short sleeves, a hat and no sunscreen. Dark skinned people have to be in the sun about twice as long to get the same benefit, he said. But he estimated that only about 20 percent of people are Vitamin D deficient. Some estimates have put that rate as high as 80 percent. Regardless, most people don't need expensive testing to determine their Vitamin D levels, Griffing said. They can get enough of the vitamin by taking supple- ments and consuming fortified foods and milk. Oily species of fish, such as tuna and salmon also contain Vitamin D. But for people who have had bariatric surgery and are having a difficult time absorbing Vitamin D from fortified foods and supplements, the sun is a simple and effective option, Griffing said. Cornelius prefers supplements. "We don't like to advocate UV exposure as a way to get Vitamin D," she said. "Why would you expose yourself to the sun and its carcino- gens when you don't have to?" Test offers red flag for autism at 6 months study author and director of Kennedy Krieger's Center for Autism and Related Dis- orders. The parents could then seek advice on whether to begin activities to improve performance. "We don't want to scare parents," she said. "If I go to the doctor because I'm hav- ing problems with balance, he's not going to assume I have a brain tumor. When a baby shows a head lag there are so many other things it can be. But this is a very real indicator of something wrong with development and easy things can be done to help." Landa planned to present the data and other research at the International Meeting for Autism Research, a sci- entific gathering on May 17 in Toronto. have shown the head lag indicates delays in kids with cerebral palsy and pre-term infants; this test has not been used for infants at risk of autism. She recommended that all pediatricians add the test of postural control to their lineup and follow chil- dren closely if a lag exists. There are other indicators for developmental delays such as eye contact and abil- ity to grasp objects, but the pull-to-sit test appears to be the best indicator for autism, Landa said. She said previous studies James W. Tysinger, Jr. M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon Fellow American Academy of Ophthalmology We accept Medical, Medicare & most Insurances Office Hours: Tues-Wed-Thurs 8am-4:30pm Mon & Fri 1pm-4:30pm For Emergencies, After Hours, Week-ends, Call 530-567-5001 345 Hickory St. Red Bluff Tel: (530) 529-4733 Fax: (530) 529-1114