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Student bullying linked to family violence: CDC

Student bullying linked to family violence: CDC

Student bullies, their victims and bully-victims--those who are victimized and also engage in bullying -- face a broad range of health risks, including family violence and intentional self-harm, a new U.S. study finds.

In a survey of 5,807 middle-school and high-school students from almost 138 Massachusetts public schools, researchers found that those involved in bullying in any way are more likely to contemplate suicide and engage in self-harm, compared to other students.

Babies' persistent fussiness could mean behavioral woes ahead

Babies' persistent fussiness could mean behavioral woes ahead

Excessive sleeping, feeding or crying troubles during infancy are associated with a greatly increased risk for behavioral problems later in childhood, research suggests.

Such behavior, which the researchers describe as "regulatory problems," were the focus of an analysis of 22 studies conducted between 1987 and 2006. Data came from 16,848 children, including 1,935 with regulatory problems who were tested.

The researchers found that infants with regulatory problems were more likely to have childhood behavioral problems than were other infants. The most likely childhood behavioral issues for infants with regulatory problems were attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and externalizing problems, such as aggressive or destructive behavior, conduct problems and temper tantrums.

Birth a few weeks early may raise odds for ADHD

Birth a few weeks early may raise odds for ADHD

The risk that children will develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rises with every week they are born short of full term, a new study suggests.

Earlier studies have shown an association between a too-early birth and the increased risk for ADHD. This study adds to that data by looking at the risk based on how preterm the delivery is, the Swedish researchers say.

"Our study is the first to report that the risk for ADHD is 40 to 60 percent higher in babies born moderately preterm," said lead researcher Dr. Anders Hjern, an adjunct professor of pediatric epidemiology at the Center for Health Equity Studies at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm.

Trees snap during storms

Trees snap during storms

These are some pictures of storm damage around 6:30 Wednesday morning, there are trees down all over Scottsboro according to a viewer.

Too many parent think injuries are "part of the game"

Too many parent think injuries are "part of the game"

With another season of warm-weather sports under way, experts are cautioning that many parents don't take sports injury prevention seriously enough -- that they consider commonplace sprains, bruises and pulled muscles "just part of the game."

About 10 percent of the 38 million American kids participating in sports each year are treated for a sports-related injury, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about half these injuries are preventable.

Nonetheless, in a recent national survey sponsored by Safe Kids USA, 86 percent of the parents surveyed said their child's injury was "just part of the game" and probably would have happened anyway.

Alabama Tourism announces songwriters contest

Alabama Tourism announces songwriters contest

In Alabama, we’ve been known to sing a song or two. And we sure do write plenty of them as well. Yes, songwriting talent runs deep here, and we’re looking for the next great Alabama songwriter to pen and perform a terrific tune that celebrates our great state.

What’s in it for you? Well, the winner will receive $2,000 plus a day of studio time at the legendary Fame Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals. In addition, the three runners-up will each receive $500. We’re taking submissions immediately and your entry must be postmarked by May 20, 2011 to be considered. So if you’re a songwriter - or dream of becoming one - sit yourself right down and get to work. We can’t wait to hear what you’ve got.

[Get the entry form and rules]

Information from Alabama Tourism

Alcoholic parents may predispose kids to drinking problem

Alcoholic parents may predispose kids to drinking problem

Children of parents with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) are at increased risk for the same type of problem, says a new study from Denmark.

The risk of an alcohol use disorder, which includes alcoholism and alcohol abuse, was higher among those whose parents had an AUD. The increased risk was independent of other major predictors, such as gender, parents' social status and the psychiatric hospitalization of parents, the researchers noted.