Dr. Henry Eikel - Pediatric Group of Acadiana

12/01/2025

Preteens who own smartphones are more likely to face depression, obesity, and poor sleep than their peers, according to a new University of Pennsylvania–led study 📱😟.

Why it matters: About half of American kids own a smartphone by age 11 📊.

Pediatric health groups have recommended appropriate screen time for youths, but there are no public health guidelines on the appropriate age for kids to first get a smartphone, the study says.

What they found: Kids with a smartphone at age 12 had:
• 31% higher odds of depression 😞
• 40% higher odds of obesity ⚠️
• 62% higher odds of insufficient sleep 😴

The study analyzed data from 10,588 youths as part of NIH-supported research, and the effects were specific to smartphone ownership — not tablets or smartwatches.

Zoom out: Another study found that just a one-week social media detox boosted mental health for young adults .

The bottom line: "Smartphone ownership offers unique challenges as it may grant youth unfettered access to a world for which they may not be ready, without the discipline to effectively manage their own use," the study says.❤️📵.

Parents, take the Wait Until 8th Pledge today!
✅ Wait until at least the end of 8th grade for a smartphone.
✅ Need something sooner? Try a basic phone or watch (see our website!).
✅ When you do say yes, start slow — remove the browser & App Store.
✅ Delay social media until 16+.

You’ve got this, parents. We’re in this together.🙌

Sources: Axios and New York Times
The findings will be published in a forthcoming issue of the journal Pediatrics.

11/26/2025

11/21/2025

Harmful myths suggesting that vaccines cause autism sow fear and distrust in vaccines, ultimately jeopardizing the great progress we’ve made in preventing serious childhood diseases. For decades, scientists have studied the potential causes of autism, and have repeatedly found no credible link between childhood vaccines and autism. Any effort to misrepresent sound, strong science poses a threat to the health of children and does a disservice to our autistic community.

Read our full fact-check to learn more: https://bit.ly/4nI0Rnb

11/20/2025

AAP President Dr. Susan J. Kressly responds to the recent changes on the CDC’s website - “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has been changed to promote false information suggesting vaccines cause autism. Since 1998, independent researchers across seven countries have conducted more than 40 high-quality studies involving over 5.6 million people. The conclusion is clear and unambiguous: There’s no link between vaccines and autism. Anyone repeating this harmful myth is misinformed or intentionally trying to mislead parents.

We call on the CDC to stop wasting government resources to amplify false claims that sow doubt in one of the best tools we have to keep children healthy and thriving: routine immunizations. The American Academy of Pediatrics stands with members of the autism community who have asked for support in stopping this rumor from spreading any further."

11/18/2025

The study this image summarizes says that kiddos who don’t get enough sleep can be cranky, groggy and more prone to meltdowns the following day. It reminds me of what my children were like the day after a sleepover party when they were 9 or 10. More importantly repeated sleep deprivation in a brain that is maturing can lead to long lasting difficulties. There is a lot of importance stuff happening during sleep!
Want to read more? Here you go:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(22)00214-0/abstract

11/13/2025

11/13/2025

11/12/2025

11/04/2025

10/31/2025

Autistic children are valued members of our communities, deserving of support driven by high-quality research. Though preliminary studies have suggested the potential benefit of leucovorin for some autistic children, the evidence base remains too limited to support a wider recommendation. Questions on its benefits, dosing, appropriate monitoring and potential long-term impacts remain unanswered. Larger trials are needed to determine whether leucovorin is a safe and effective option for the autistic pediatric population.

AAP will update its guidance as evidence is compiled and encourages pediatricians to engage in shared decision-making with families asking about leucovorin while providing clear information about the evidence available and the potential risks. Learn more at the link below.
https://bit.ly/3WupJU7

10/31/2025

As a parent, it’s understandable to want to learn about what’s in vaccines. But as you research, you might come across misleading claims about vaccine ingredients.

Antigens, for example, are a key ingredient in vaccines that help children’s immune systems learn to respond to viruses. Your children encounter antigens in many places they visit each day, including playgrounds. In fact, children can come in contact with up to 6,000 antigens each day.

If you have any additional questions about vaccines and their ingredients, talk with your pediatrician or click the link below.
https://bit.ly/430jf37

10/28/2025