No abstract

Childhood overweight continues to increase rapidly in the United States, particularly among African Americans and Hispanics. Culturally competent treatment strategies as well as other policy interventions are required to increase physical activity and encourage healthy eating patterns among children.

Many overweight adolescents are socially marginalized. Such isolation may aggravate the social and emotional consequences of overweight in this age group.

Obese Hispanic and white females demonstrate significantly lower levels of self-esteem by early adolescence. In addition, obese children with decreasing levels of self-esteem demonstrate significantly higher rates of sadness, loneliness, and nervousness and are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors such as smoking or consuming alcohol.

No abstract

No abstract

Children with obese mothers, low family incomes, and lower cognitive stimulation have significantly elevated risks of developing obesity, independent of other demographic and socioeconomic factors. In contrast, increased rates of obesity in black children, children with lower family education, and nonprofessional parents may be mediated through the confounding effects of low income and lower levels of cognitive stimulation.

Thrombocytopenia is common in medical intensive care unit patients. Thrombocytopenic patients have a higher prevalence of bleeding and greater transfusion requirements. A drop in platelet counts of > or = 30%, but not thrombocytopenia per se, is independently associated with intensive care unit death. Serial measurements of platelet counts are important and readily available markers for monitoring the patient's condition. Any drop in platelet count requires urgent clarification. Disseminated intravascular coagulation, signs of organ failure at admission, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation are predictors of intensive care unit-acquired thrombocytopenia.