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December 24, 2012 Boys are entering puberty six months to two years earlier than they did in past studies. Caucasian boys tend to begin puberty, on average, at around 10 years old while African American boys tend to begin puberty at 9.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

December 20, 2012 A string of recent ER cases in which 9-year-olds were treated for cinnamon exposure has toxicologists once again warning parents about risky food games like the "cinnamon challenge" and "chubby bunny."

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December 18, 2012 There are some warnings parents drill into their kids: no drinking, no smoking, don't do drugs. But now that two states have decriminalized recreational marijuana use, those conversations have become tougher.

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December 17, 2012 Children in third through sixth grade consume more calories when snacking on potato chips, and fewer when they snack instead on raw broccoli, peppers, carrots and cheese combinations, according to a recent study. This adds to evidence that foods high in fiber and protein help us feel fuller.

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December 14, 2012 Doctors say parents should limit children's exposure to media coverage of disasters, like the mass shooting in Connecticut. Kids, especially older ones, will have questions, and it's fine for parents to answer them. But keep the answers simple and make sure they come with ample reassurance.

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December 12, 2012 A roundup of the medical evidence by a group of independent researchers suggest that giving babies sugar water before injections can help comfort them. But the latest analysis is less enthusiastic about the approach than a previous review.

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December 11, 2012 Children between the ages of 9 and 15 who went on eating binges at least once a week were more likely to use marijuana or to show strong signs of depression as those who didn't. There's no proof of cause and effect, but the researchers say it's another reason parents and doctors should keep an eye on kids' eating habits.

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December 10, 2012 Stroke is usually a problem that comes with age, but a surprising number of children have strokes, too. Many kids have conditions that put them at higher risk. But surgeons have developed a technique that cuts the risk in some of these kids by giving part of the brain a new blood supply.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

December 6, 2012 Last spring, the Nigerian government pledged millions of dollars to decontaminate a region where hundreds of kids have died from severe lead poisoning. So far, none of the money has been released. The delay in the cleanup puts thousands of kids at risk of getting sick, public health advocates say.

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December 5, 2012 To raise vaccination rates, some states have made it much harder for parents to get exemptions for their children from immunizations based on personal beliefs. One doctor says restrictions could backfire.

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November 27, 2012 KHNA Florida law prohibits doctors from discussing gun ownership with patients. After some doctors fought the law in court, a federal judge blocked its enforcement. Now the state has appealed the injunction, and advocates for both sides are weighing in.

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November 26, 2012 A policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics urges doctors to write prescriptions in advance to let teens have fast access to emergency contraception. The pills are currently available over the counter only to those 17 and older.

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November 26, 2012 The committee says that allowing parents to anonymously abandon newborns only encourages the practice. But others say it saves lives by preventing infanticide.

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November 26, 2012 KHNA growing number of teenage girls are incarcerated each year. Many have injuries consistent with sexual assault, and up to a third are or have been pregnant. But the care provided in detention is often inadequate for girls because the assessment of their needs misses the mark.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

November 26, 2012 The wildly popular mosh pits for the school-age set have become a common source of injuries that send kids to the hospital. Doctors call for safer designs for inflatable bouncers and better guidelines for their use.

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