The March 2024 Mental Health Issue of Contemporary Pediatrics is now available digitally! Below, find a message from our Editor-in-Chief, Tina Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS, highlighting the articles featured in this month’s issue.
Tina Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS:
Greetings!
As we move forward into the year, I hope everyone takes a moment to protect their mental health. Whether it’s a brisk walk during lunch or a quick 15-minute journaling session, it’s imperative to take a moment, no matter how small, to check in on our mental well-being. These little moments are beneficial not only for our mental health but also for our physical health.
The Mental Health Foundation says poor mental health can have negative effects on our physical health, such as headaches, fatigue and digestive problems.1 I know it’s easier said than done to find time to take a break as busy practitioners, but these quick check-ins will make all the difference to your health. Additionally, influenza A and COVID-19 are reappearing in several regions of the United States. Please ensure your patients are up to date on their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to protect them.
Speaking of mental health, our editors and editorial advisory board have worked hard to create a special issue dedicated to the mental health of our young patients. This month’s issue contains several excellent must-read articles, including the following:
· The Pediatric Pharmacology section article is an excellent summary of the current drug shortage for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which the FDA recognized in August 2023. The authors provide a comprehensive list of stimulants that are currently in short supply, including extended dextroamphetamine. -release patch and lisdexamfetamine, to name a few.
· The Respiratory Disorders section features an intriguing article on implementing psychological interventions for asthma and stress reduction in children and adolescents, while highlighting promising avenues for asthma management.
· The Infectious Diseases section highlights the current increase in reported cases of measles among children. Measles cases have been reported in Delaware, New Jersey, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, according to an update from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
· In the Nutrition section we have an interesting discussion on how to talk to your patients about weight issues. Some of the key points include how to best determine when to discuss this topic, the role of various indicators in this discussion (e.g., scale, body mass index, blood tests), and how best to discuss nutrition and health. exercise.
· The Dermatology section has an informative article on the psychosocial impact of skin diseases on children, as well as how pediatricians should address not only the physical symptoms but also the psychological consequences.
· Finally, our Mental Health section is full of practical articles, including the importance of mental health screening at the start of wellness visits and addressing the mental health needs of young people of diverse sexualities and genders.
As always, thank you for providing exceptional care to your patients during these rapidly changing times. As John Green said, “There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” » Please take the time to take care of yourself.
Warmly thanking you,
Tina Q. Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS
Editor-in-Chief
Click here to read the March mental health issue of Contemporary Pediatrics.
Reference:
Physical health and mental health. Mental Health Foundation. Updated February 18, 2022. Accessed February 14, 2024. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/az-topics/physical-health-and-mental-health
