Weekly Health Digest: Contraception Deserts, Sport Sponsorships, and Brain Development Disorders

Brain development disorders in children linked to common environmental toxin exposures

ScienceDaily

After reviewing published evidence about endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), researchers at the Université Paris-Sorbonne have proposed that a host of environmental toxins such as pesticides and chemicals found in common products may be related to the rising incidence of neurodevelopment conditions such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. Their analysis found that exposures to thyroid-disrupting chemicals poses a particular risk to children and pregnant women, although further research is needed to establish or disprove a causal link between toxin exposure and variations in brain development.

Children with autism less likely to be fully vaccinated, study finds

Susan Scutti

A new research study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children with autism are less likely to be fully vaccinated than children without autism. As a result, these children may be at higher risk for contracting diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. These results likely indicate that more needs to be done to educate the public about vaccines.

76% of sports sponsorships tired to junk food, study says

Jacqueline Howard

A new study, published on Monday, found that 76% of food products shown in sports sponsorship advertisements are unhealthy, and 52.4% of beverages shown in these ads are sweetened with sugar. The study used data from Nielsen ratings to determine the top 10 sports organizations watched by children ages 2 to 17. Sport sponsorship ads could have a negative impact on children’s diet and food choices. Both sports organizations and food companies should take responsibility in order to promote healthy foods and beverages to children.

Research misconduct allegations shadow CDC appointee

David Goldman

Donald Trump’s appointee to head the CDC is facing significant criticism due to a 20 year old controversy he has with research misconduct during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This comes at a time when the preceding head of the CDC had to step down after being exposed for trading with the big tobacco industry while leading anti-smoking campaigns. Claims against the current appointee include that he was either sloppy with data or that he fabricated it when conducting the clinical trials for an HIV vaccine.

Birth Control Apps Find A Big Market In ‘Contraception Deserts’

Leslie McClurg & Ashley Lopez

Apps designed to sell and deliver prescription birth control are meeting needs in rural areas and women in low socio-economic situations. Women are able to easily fill out forms and get advice and a prescription for birth control without having to see a doctor. Not only do these apps help access but also seem to be improving privacy for women needing birth control.