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Educators and Parents Grapple with Balancing Screen Time Benefits and Risks in U.S. Education

Educators and Parents Grapple with Balancing Screen Time Benefits and Risks in U.S. Education

Parents and educators in the U.S. are navigating the complex landscape of screen time for children, weighing its educational benefits against potential risks. While school-issued technology is recognized as a valuable learning tool, it also presents challenges such as distraction. Tanasha Holder, an inclusion teacher at Lumberton High School, observes both the advantages and disadvantages of technology in the classroom, noting that computers offer useful resources, especially for students who benefit from diverse learning approaches. However, she also points out that increased screen time can reduce student engagement. Dr. Patricia Tibbs, a pediatrician and president of the Mississippi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, acknowledges the necessity of computers in modern education but emphasizes that there is no universal 'too much' when it comes to screen time. Instead, she advises parents to consider how children are using screens and what other activities, such as physical play or social inter...
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FDA Identifies Potential Cyclospora Source at Taylor Farms de Mexico Facilities Linked to Lettuce Outbreak

FDA Identifies Potential Cyclospora Source at Taylor Farms de Mexico Facilities Linked to Lettuce Outbreak

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified a potential source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak that was linked to lettuce over the summer. During onsite inspections of Taylor Farms de Mexico facilities, the FDA collected samples that tested positive for the Cyclospora parasite. One positive sample was found in a tank holding outgoing wastewater from a processing facility, and another was from a drainage ditch of an iceberg lettuce grower. While the FDA states there isn't enough evidence to conclusively determine how contamination occurred, these positive samples indicate the presence of Cyclospora in the environment where lettuce was grown and processed. This finding supports epidemiological data and traceback convergence linking the outbreak to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. The investigation has concluded, and health officials are confident that all recalled lettuce is off the market. Taylor Fresh Foods stated its facility in central Mexico remains closed for enha...
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Bakersfield Pediatrician Warns Declining Vaccination Rates Fueling Measles Resurgence

Bakersfield Pediatrician Warns Declining Vaccination Rates Fueling Measles Resurgence

Dr. Niranjan Dass, a pediatrician in Bakersfield, California, is raising concerns about declining vaccination rates and the spread of vaccine misinformation, which he attributes to the resurgence of measles in the United States. Measles, once largely eliminated, is now becoming a significant concern for parents. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, high vaccination rates ensured herd immunity, making measles a rare issue. However, Dr. Dass notes that missed vaccinations during the pandemic, coupled with increased anti-vaccine messaging, have led to a drop in immunization rates. Herd immunity, which protects communities when vaccination rates exceed 90%, has diminished, leaving children vulnerable to measles. The disease is highly contagious and can spread before an infected person realizes they are sick, making outbreaks difficult to control. Dr. Dass emphasizes that measles is more serious than commonly perceived, potentially leading to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain damage (encephalitis), blindne...
AP NewsAP News
Zambia says it will sign $3.6 billion US health deal after stripping patient data clauses

Zambia says it will sign $3.6 billion US health deal after stripping patient data clauses

Zambia plans to sign a revised health agreement with the United States that excludes controversial clauses about sharing patient data and specimens
ReutersReuters
US appeals court weighs block on Kennedy's vaccine panel appointments

US appeals court weighs block on Kennedy's vaccine panel appointments

By Nate Raymond Oct 6 (Reuters) - A lawyer for the Trump administration told a federal appeals court on Tuesday that a judge had improperly hamstrung an influential vaccine advisory panel by blocking Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s handpicked appointees from serving on it.
AP NewsAP News
The plague never went away. Cases are reported in parts of Africa and the US nearly every year

The plague never went away. Cases are reported in parts of Africa and the US nearly every year

The plague, a rare bacterial infection known for its deadly impact in 14th-century Europe, still exists today
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Representatives DeSaulnier and Matsui Introduce Bill to Strengthen Food Allergy Protections in Child Nutrition Programs

Representatives DeSaulnier and Matsui Introduce Bill to Strengthen Food Allergy Protections in Child Nutrition Programs

Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) and Doris Matsui (D-CA) have introduced the Strengthening Protections for Children with Food Allergies Act (H.R. 10228) in Congress. This proposed legislation aims to enhance food allergy training requirements across various federal child nutrition programs. Additionally, the bill seeks to expand education and outreach initiatives concerning food allergies for families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The introduction of this bill reflects a growing recognition of the need for more comprehensive support and safety measures for children with food allergies within federally funded nutrition programs.
The Columbus DispatchThe Columbus Dispatch
Why Ohio is at risk for more measles cases as 2026 outbreak grows

Why Ohio is at risk for more measles cases as 2026 outbreak grows

Ohio is battling its third measles outbreak of 2026. The state is at risk to see the number of cases continue to rise.
ReutersReuters
CDC sees low plague risk, monitors Siberia arrivals after worker death, director says

CDC sees low plague risk, monitors Siberia arrivals after worker death, director says

Oct 7 (Reuters) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Erica ‌Schwartz said on Wednesday the risk to the US from an unconfirmed pneumonic plague case in Siberia was extremely low, but the agency was prepared to monitor and screen travelers.
The Columbus DispatchThe Columbus Dispatch
Ohio doctor group backs childhood vaccines amid political split

Ohio doctor group backs childhood vaccines amid political split

The Ohio State Medical Association announced its support for the American Academy of Pediatrics' child and adolescent vaccine schedule.
TheStreetTheStreet
Walmart, Trader Joe’s recall frozen fruit after outbreak declared over

Walmart, Trader Joe’s recall frozen fruit after outbreak declared over

Recall expansion affects more than 25 states amid potential E. coli contamination.
USA TodayUSA Today
Suspected plague death sparks outbreak concerns. Should we be worried?

Suspected plague death sparks outbreak concerns. Should we be worried?

Do Americans need to be worried about their safety after the suspected plague death in Russia? Here's what an infectious disease expert told us.