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All about kids playing could help her son stand tall and exude confidence, making it less likely that he will be bullied. In addition, she suggested the mother work to find a friend or two for her son before the school year starts. “Unfortunately, there’s not one answer that fits every situation,” Ms. Ramsay said. There may be times when it’s easy to find an adult or teacher for help; at other times, a bystander may defuse the situation by asking the victim to join him or her and walk away. Cyberbullying, or bullying that occurs online or through texting or other electronic means, can be very destructive, said Wendy Craig, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Queen’s University in Ontario and also a member of the Institute’s Scientific Board. “Technology is here to stay, and yet as adults and experts we are often behind our kids in Internet knowledge,” Ms. Craig said. “Kids can be bullied 24/7 now.” Because messages on Facebook, in Internet polls, on blogs and in texts stay in place, a child is bullied each time someone sees the original statement or threat. The experts agreed that parents, teachers and counselors need to be aware of bullying and the resources that are available to them, and that children, no matter if they are the bully or the victim, must get help. “We’re here to say that bullying must stop because there are children who are tormented to the point where they take their own lives,” Ms. Ramsay said. “And we’re here to say that bullying must stop because many children who bully turn into aggressive, violent adults.” For more details about bullying, go to melissainstitute.org, stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov or stopcyberbullying.org. —Adrienne Sylver and Sharon Harvey Rosenberg changes — diet and exercise — not medication, Dr. Mas said. Indeed, changing unhealthy habits can make a difference. The second research study found that children who ate fruits and vegetables once a day had healthier arteries as young adults than children who consumed fruits and vegetables less than twice a month. The lower consumption was linked to stiffening arteries, a red flag for future heart problems. Parents concerned about their children’s heart health should set a good example by serving whole grains, fruits and vegetables, Dr. Mas said. Regular exercise that includes aerobic activities such as running, cycling or swimming is also good for the heart. “Eating healthy and exercising need to be part of a routine,” she said. “Just like brushing your hair or teeth.” —Liz Doup Join the parenting experts at Baptist Children’s Hospital for enlightening conversation and practical advice. Each program is held in the auditorium at Baptist Hospital and costs $5, unless otherwise noted. Programs are not intended for children, unless indicated. You must reserve your space by calling 786-596-3812. BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM IN YOUR CHILDREN Thursday, March 24, 7-9 p.m. Whether they’re starting a new school, performing onstage, competing in sports or socializing with friends, it takes confidence to be a kid! Psychologist Andrew Lagomasino, Psy.D., helps parents learn to instill confidence in their children so they can believe in themselves while taking on life’s challenges. For parents of school-age kids. WHAT’S HAPPENING TO ME? Thursday, April 7, 7- 8:30 p.m., Children’s Diagnostic Center at Country Walk, 13500 SW 152 Street Yesterday she had training wheels. Today she has a training bra. What will tomorrow bring? Yvonne Brookes, R.N., helps girls prepare for the changes they’ll face as their body matures from a child into an adult. For girls age 8 –11. This program is FREE. RESPONSIBLE PARENTING Thursday, April 28, 7-9 p.m. Is your toddler testing you with temper tantrums? Is bedtime a nightly battle? Are your teens breaking curfew or talking back? Join psychologist Richard Toister, Ph.D., for tips to help you effectively discipline your child and manage the daily challenges and responsibilities of parenthood. For parents of kids of all ages. AGES AND STAGES: PLANNING FOR CHANGES Thursday, May 26, 7-9 p.m. New friends, new teachers, new beginnings, new worries… Whether your toddler is beginning kindergarten, your elementary student is moving on to middle school, or your teen is about to start high school, it can be a time of mixed emotions. Psychologist Kaia Calbeck, Ph.D., helps parents and students transition smoothly. For parents of preschool through high school students. 8900 North Kendall Drive RESOURCE 9
Senior{Focus CT screening cuts lung cancer deaths Former or current smokers should take note of a recent study that found that those who were screened annually with lowdose spiral CT (computed tomography) scans had a 20 percent lower risk of dying from lung cancer than those screened with conventional chest X-rays. The results of the study were so compelling that the landmark National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) was stopped and the preliminary results reported. “These findings are significant since it appears that yearly screening with low-dose CT imaging can save lives of seemingly healthy people who have a history of heavy smoking,” said Baptist Hospital Chief of Radiology Jack Ziffer, M.D., Ph.D. “Reducing lung cancer mortality by 20 percent will make a huge difference in sparing patients and their families from the devastation caused by this disease.” The National Cancer Institute, sponsor of the study, estimates that more than 94 million current and former smokers in the United States are at high risk for Jack Ziffer, M.D.,Ph.D. lung cancer. In 2010, an estimated 222,520 people were diagnosed with, and 157,300 died of, cancer of the lung and bronchus. Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor, though lung cancer strikes some nonsmokers. Chest X-rays have long been used by doctors to look for signs of lung cancer in those patients with symptoms. But chest X-ray screening hasn’t reduced lung cancer deaths. Because CT can pick up much smaller tumors than X-rays, the newer technology has been proposed as a life-saving screening tool. Researchers wanted to find out if finding tumors earlier with CT would increase the odds of surviving lung cancer. The NLST, launched in 2002, focused on 53,454 former and current heavy smokers ages 55 to 74. Participants had smoked at least 30 “pack years” — one pack a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, or three packs a day for at least 10 years. Former smokers were included if they were 30 pack-year smokers who had Compared to a one-way view of the lungs from the front or side in a conventional chest X-ray (left), a low-dose CT lung scan gives cross-sectional images from many different directions that can be manipulated by radiologists for a more detailed analysis. stopped smoking within the previous 15 years. Participants at 33 American sites were randomly assigned to undergo either annual screening with CT scans or traditional chest X-rays for three years. After the three rounds of screening, the participants were to be followed for five years. There were 354 deaths in the CT group and 442 in the chest X-ray group. Of those screened with CT, 24 percent had a positive finding for an abnormality, compared to nearly 7 percent of those screened with X-ray. Follow-up tests, such as invasive biopsies, found no signs of cancer in the majority of those people whose CT or X-ray results indicated a possible abnormality. “This study only looked at current and past heavy smokers — those at highest risk for developing lung cancer,” Dr. Ziffer said. “The results of this trial will be used to develop national screening guidelines that will weigh the potential for saving lives against the disadvantages associated with the high rate of false-positive findings, and concerns for the cumulative effects of radiation from multiple CT scans — though the dose used for screening is much less than that used for diagnostic imaging.” Experts agree that the best way to prevent lung cancer is to never start smoking, or if already smoking, to quit. If you are concerned about your risk for lung cancer, talk to your doctor. — Anne Streeter HOW TO GET A LUNG, HEART SCREENING If you are at risk for lung disease or a heart attack, you may benefit from one or both of the following CT screening scans: • CT lung screening scans look for early signs of lung cancer and other abnormalities (see story above). • CT calcium scoring scans measure the buildup of calcium on the walls of coronary arteries, a sign of heart disease and potential heart attacks. Talk to your doctor about the benefits of these tests if you are over age 40; if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or have ever smoked; or if you have a family history of heart disease or lung cancer. A doctor’s prescription is required to schedule CT scans. If you need a physician, call Baptist Health’s free Physician Referral Service at 786-596-6557 in Miami-Dade or 954-837-1200 in Broward. To schedule an appointment, call 786-573-6000 in Miami- Dade or 954-837-1000 in Broward. The cost of a CT calcium scoring scan is $120; $250 for CT lung screening. If both tests are done on the same day, the total cost is $295. Insurance does not typically cover the cost of these tests. 10 RESOURCE
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