Is Mr. Yuk on Vacation?

Despite product labeling and poison warnings on household chemicals, accidental poisonings of children continue to rise.

The latest edition of the American Journal of Public Health revealed that consumer protections regarding household products are inadequate even though voluntary agreements between government agencies and manufacturers exist.

Household products such as bleach, cleansers, and cleaning products as well as prescription medications and cosmetics remain a significant child killer. The Journal’s research found that pediatric mortality rates are increasing despite so-called protections taken by various governmental entities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

According to the Consumer Product Protection Agency, deaths from poisonings have increased among children ages 1 to 4 from 1999 to 2008. However, according to the National Capital Poison Center (2012), the amount of poisonings has risen through 2011 for children up to age 6 with the most popular chemical poison coming from cosmetics (i.e. make-up, perfume, nail polish, nail polish remover, etc.).

Safe Kids Worldwide reports that nearly 78,000 unintentional nonfatal poisonings among children were treated in emergency rooms across the country each year since 2001. In 2010 alone, 72 percent of those treated were under age 5. Furthermore, Safe Kids also noted that 2.4 million people were seen at national Poison Control Centers in 2010 with nearly 40 percent of them being under age 2.

What happened to Mr. Yuk? When I was a child, that round sticker portraying the ugly green contorted face of Mr. Yuk was plastered on products throughout my house. As a youngster, I learned not to even touch a product bearing that puke-green-colored sticker. That was back in the 1970s, but what about today?

Mr. Yuk was actually created by the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh as a way to prevent pediatric and child poisonings. It really hasn’t disappeared; it’s just not as popular as it once had been. So, how are we protecting our nation’s children? The Journal of Public Health suggests that consumer product labeling be mandated by all chemical and cosmetic companies rather than being voluntary. This should extend to any poisons, including prescription medications and vitamins (particularly iron).

Here are five recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency to keep your home safe:

·         Always store pesticides and other household chemical products in a locked cabinet or garden shed away from both children and pets.

·         Never leave pesticides and chemical products unattended when in use.

·         Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container tightly after use.

·         Never transfer harmful household chemicals into contains that could be mistaken for food or drink.

·         Keep the Poison Help number handy: 1-800-222-1222.

(Note: Mr. Yuk stickers are still available. To order one free sheet of Mr. Yuk stickers, send a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope to: Mr. Yuk Pittsburgh Poison Center UPMC 200 Lothrop Street BIR 010701 Pittsburgh, PA 15213)

References:

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. (n.d.). Mr. Yuk. Retrieved from http://www.chp.edu/CHP/mryuk.

Consumer Product Protection Agency. (2011). Pediatric poisoning fatalities from 1972 to 2008. Retrieved from http://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/108248/pppa2011.pdf.

Environmental Protection Agency. (2013). Prevent poisonings in your home. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/poisonprevention.htm.

National Capital Poison Center. (2012). Poisoning statistics. Retrieved from http://www.poison.org/stats/.

Safe Kids Worldwide. (2013). Poison prevention fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.safekids.org/our-work/research/fact-sheets/poison-prevention-fact-sheet.html.

Keep from Shriveling Up: Stay Hydrated

With summer just around the corner, most of us are itching to get outside and soak in the sun. Along with the warmth comes the need to stay hydrated. This is especially true for the aging population.

Research has discovered that dehydration is a frequent cause of mortality and illness in elderly people. It has been suggested that the cost of hospitalizations due to dehydration has exceeded $1 billion annually. Often, dehydration in senior citizens is linked to infections, but most of the issues arise simply because of the normal aging process. The human body loses an average of 15% water between the ages of 20 and 80. Without regular replenishment, dehydration can become significantly problematic, if not fatal.

According to a study published in Nutrition Reviews, older individuals suffer more from dehydration because of a change in water metabolism caused by aging. Furthermore, because of a loss in muscle mass, total body water and bone mass, the aging individual also loses a degree in fat free mass (which contains 73% water).

To further complicate matters, thirst sensation also decreases with age. Because of this, thirst does not stimulate the body to drink water, thus creating high risks for dehydration. Studies have also found that insufficient fluid intake can also cause reduced swallowing capabilities, decreased mobility, and loss of cognitive functioning. Other disease-related factors including incontinence and the use of laxatives or diuretics can also lead to dehydration.

The good thing about dehydration is there are numerous symptoms that are easily noted to eliminate potential problems. These include dry mouth, no urine or very concentrated urine, lethargy, low blood pressure, dry skin, and rapid heart rate. Never overlook any of these symptoms. Health care professionals suggest that if you suspect dehydration, don’t gulp down 60 ounces of water immediately. Try sipping small amounts of water frequently. If your symptoms do not improve, you are to contact your doctor or get to the emergency room immediately.

You really shouldn’t wait until you have symptoms to combat dehydration, regardless of your age. Your water requirements will vary daily depending on your environment as well as your own body. Yet, there is a general recommendation for fluid intake: 6 to 8 cups or 48 to 64 fluid ounces daily. If you exercise, you will likely need more. The same is true if you are taking diuretics or laxatives. Most nutritionists suggest drinking 4 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes during periods of excess water loss (e.g. during exercise).

While it seems simple, most of us don’t think about drinking fluids on a regular basis – whether you’re over age 65 or younger. Here are some key strategies to help you stay hydrated this summer:

1.      Water is your best hydration weapon.

2.      Drink fluids throughout the day. For older persons, focus on drinking small, frequent amounts of liquid (preferably water) throughout your day rather than waiting for the thirst drive to kick in.

3.      Fluids can also be obtained through foods such as fresh fruits, soups, and popsicles.

4.       Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they might pull water from the body to promote dehydration.

5.      Limit your fruit juice and fruit drink intake as they often contain too little sodium and significant amounts of sugar.

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 References:

Cleveland Clinic. (2012). Avoiding hydration, proper hydration. Retrieved from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dehydration/hic_avoiding_dehydration.aspx.

Ferry, M. (2005). Strategies for ensuring good hydration in the elderly. Nutrition Reviews, 63(6 Pt. 2), S22-S29. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16028569.

Hydration for Health. (n.d.) Hydration and the elderly. Retrieved from http://www.h4hinitiative.com/about-healthy-hydration/different-needs-at-different-life-stages/hydration-and-the-elderly/.

Morrow, K. (2011). Proper hydration in the elderly. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/497013-proper-hydration-in-the-elderly/.

Improve Your Health: Adopt a Pet

Those furry little critters that welcome us home every night or greet us with a wet nose in the morning are far more than just part of your family. Your pet is actually the perfect remedy for staying healthy.

Yes, your pet – whether it’s a cat or dog, ferret or fish – actually does more for your health than you might think. According to research, pets are natural mood enhancers. Pet your cat or your dog and your  body reacts by feeling less stressed. Even watching your fish swim will reduce anxiety. Studies have shown that the level of cortisol, associated with stress, drops when you engage with your pet. This reduction is stress also assists with keeping your blood pressure low. In several studies, pet owners had lower blood pressures than their non pet-owning counterparts. Of interest, children with hypertension also had lower blood pressures while petting their dogs.

Here are a few more health benefits of owning a pet:

1.       Lowers Cholesterol & Improves Bone Health: Research has discovered that people who own pets have lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides than those who don’t. However, oftentimes people with pets (especially dogs) are more active because they need to exercise their pet; therefore, they take their dog running, hiking, biking, and to just about every activity they can think of. This, in turn helps pet owners maintain healthier lifestyles, healthy weights and improved heart health. Because of the increased exercise, your bones and muscles are strengthening to guard against osteoporosis.

2.       Provides Heart Protection: For cat owners, the news is even better as they can provide additional protection for your heart. According to a 20-year study of cat owners, people who owned cats were 40% less likely to die of a heart attack than those who did not own a cat. Furthermore, research has found that pet owners have a lower risk of dying from any cardiac disease simply because of the presence of their furry friend.

3.       Reduces Stroke Risk: Cat owners have been known to suffer from fewer strokes than non cat owners. According to studies, circulation improves when owning a cat because a feline tends to have a more calming effect on their owners than any other animal. It could be because of the calming nature of that ubiquitous purr. (Of interest, felines are the only animals in the world who have the ability to purr.)

4.       Fights Depression: While petting your fur ball reduces stress, it also helps you fight depression. It is the unconditional love from that animal that provides significant comfort for those suffering with depression. According to pet therapists, taking care of a pet takes your mind off of yourself, helping you feel better and improves self-esteem.

5.       Improves Social Interactions: Pet owners are also more interactive and engaged with others. Studies have found that pet owners enjoy talking with other pet owners, even complete strangers. It was discovered that dog owners, in particular, will stop and chat about their four-legged children while on a walk or visiting a park. Non pet owners do not have that connection and are likely to be less interactive and isolated.

6.       Fights Allergies: Contrary to popular belief, pet owners have fewer allergies and a stronger immune system than non pet owners. Research discovered that children who grow up with a family pet are less likely to develop allergies. Of interest, the same goes for those who grow up on farms with horses, pigs or cows. The more exposure, the less likely they are to develop allegories, and instead, maintain good health as they age.

7.       Prevents Asthma: Although research has found that pet allergies are the most common trigger for asthma, additional studies have found that cats in particular may have the opposite effect. Infants who grow up in a home with cats are less likely to develop asthma mainly because of the early exposure to the animals.

8.       Reduces Diabetic Emergencies: Dog owners, in particular, have found that their companions know when their blood glucose levels drop. They can alert their owners that it’s time for a snack. According to Dogs for Diabetics, one in three dogs living with people with diabetes has the ability to sense diabetic emergencies. The group focuses on training dogs to assist people with managing their diabetes.

9.       Overcomes ADHD: Recent research has found that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can actually reduce their symptoms simply by taking care of a pet. Maintaining routine jobs such as feeding, walking, playing, and grooming help children expend excess energy, making it easier for them to concentrate at school as well as fall asleep easier at night.

10.   Improves Quality of Life: From therapy dogs to companion animals, pets are probably the most comforting creatures for humans recovering from a devastating illness. Research has shown that people generally feel better when they simply see a dog or a cat. Then, petting the animal actually rebuilds strength and improves overall quality of life.

There are so many great benefits of being a pet owner. For more pet-owning benefits, check out WebMD’s online article titled “27 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health.” If you decide a pet is for you, you might want to check out your local animal shelter first. Oftentimes, abandoned pets are in just as much need of a loving home as you are in providing it.

References:

Dogs for Diabetics. (2013). General information. Retrieved from http://www.dogs4diabetics.com/.

Nazario, B. (2012). 27 ways pets can improve your health. Retrieved from http://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-pets-improve-your-health.

No More Blowing Out Birthday Candles

The latest ban in the world of childhood comes out of Australia where blowing out birthday candles is now a thing of the past.

The new guidelines were set by Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council mainly because daycare centers and other organizations where groups of children gather were allowing the candle-blowing tradition over a cake that would be shared by many. The problem was that children weren’t just blowing out the candles, they were also spitting on them as well creating a cake Mecca of germs.

Okay, so we, as an adult population, have been partaking of this tradition for decades and we’ve survived, right? So, how dangerous is your breath (and perhaps spittle) on a frosted birthday cake?

According to research from the University of Arizona, the mucous membranes in the mouth contain many germs and, as in the birthday cake scenario, can be transmitted in droplet form. The University found that these droplets of mucus (i.e. spit) can travel up to three feet and are generally more contagious than those spread by direct contact such as touching (as in shaking hands) or kissing. Most of the respiratory infections such as pneumonia, strep throat and meningitis are spread by droplets. Of interest, certain germs can travel farther than three feet in droplet form such as those that cause tuberculosis, spores of the anthrax bacterium, and the virus that causes measles. It’s not likely that little Kevin would spit farther than 3 feet while trying to blow out his birthday candles…but you never know. And, you never know what diseases little Kevin might be harboring in his mouth.

Is blowing out birthday candles really this dangerous? Well, quite frankly, yes. According to a study published in the Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Delivery, droplets exhaled during normal breathing may be more hazardous than those associated with coughing and sneezing. The study found that small droplets form inside the lungs, and as they lay there, they collect a plethora of germs contained within your body. Eventually, enough form that they break off and enter the air you breathe in and out. So, over the course of a day, you are spewing all kinds of diseases just from breathing.

This isn’t a new issue. Droplets in your breath have been well-known and studied for more than a century. An 1871 article (142 years ago) in The British Medical Journal discussed the origins of contagious diseases, discovering that mucus droplets from the body can carry diseases even after exhaled from the body. They are dangerous when infected droplets contact other people.

Okay, so we have a dangerous and unhealthy custom. How did it start? Well, that’s another story, but briefly, it is rooted in Ancient Greek traditions. A round cake was a tribute to the moon goddess, and the candles were to represent the reflected moonlight. Candles on birthday cakes became more popular thanks to the Germans who placed candles on cakes for religious reasons. Today, our candles are mainly rooted in superstitious beliefs – making a silent wish before blowing them out – then if all the candles are blown out in one breath, the wish will come true.

Research and public health concerns have led us to realize the dangers of this practice. Humans are the main carriers of many germs and many diseases, so why would you want someone spewing mucus droplets on your dessert?

While this seems like depressing news to those of us who love a good birthday cake with loads of burning candles, it doesn’t have to dampen the celebration. The best way to “have your cake and eat it too” is to provide a separate cake and/or cupcake with candles to the birthday person. This way, they can blow droplets all over their own cake/cupcake while the rest of us can have a mucus-free birthday treat.

References:

Bastian, H. C. (1871). Epidemic and specific contagious diseases. The British Medical Journal, 2(562), 400-409.

Campbell, C. (2013). Australian kids face birthday candle ban to prevent spreading germs. Retrieved from http://world.time.com/2013/02/07/australian-kids-face-birthday-candle-ban-to-prevent-spreading-germs/.

Malashenko, A., Tsuda, A., and Haber, S. (2009). Propagation and breakup of liquid menisci and aerosol generation in small airways. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery, 22(4), 341-353.

Reynolds. (2009). How germs are spread. Retrieved from http://learnaboutgerms.arizona.edu/how_germs_spread.htm.

Bullying Prevention Strategies

The boy with glasses, the girl with short hair, the Asian boy, the overweight girl…it doesn’t matter what the issue, they’ve all been victims of what is generally known as youth violence – simply because they are different.

Youth violence is the umbrella term for any type of physical or psychological harm and includes physical fighting, gang fighting, electronic aggression, sexual violence, and bullying. Regardless of which category you look at, youth violence is a serious public health problem and has affected a significant number of youth in every community and in every walk of life.

For several decades, public health professionals have been working to improve the health of our nation through a science-based program known as “Healthy People” (see story below). One of the critical objectives is to significantly reduce youth violence, particularly bullying, defined as unwanted, aggressive behaviors that are repeated over time that provide a real or perceived power imbalance that favors the perpetrator.

In the Healthy People 2020 Spotlight: Bullying Webinar released late last year, researchers revealed that the problem isn’t going away any time soon.  In the 2008-2009 School Crime Supplement which surveys children ages 12 through 18, 26.6 percent of boys and 29.5 percent of girls had experienced bullying during the year. That would include any of the four types of bullying: physical, verbal, indirect (rejection, exclusion, rumor spreading), and electronic (emails, text messages). Furthermore, bullying starts young, usually in 6^th grade and continues heavily through 9^th and 10^th grade. The problem abates somewhat in the junior and senior years of high school.

Of interest, cyberbullying is still low on the list of bullying types, although it is slowly becoming more popular. The most common bullying practice is in person teasing and /or hitting done at school. The most frequent bullying incidences are those that belittle another based on their looks or speech with 20% of males and 21% of females in middle school claiming victimization.

There are many parents and community members who believe that bullying is just a part of life. I’ve heard some parents say “suck it up and deal with it” or “tease them back” or worse yet “ignore it and it will go away.” Unfortunately, those lines have never worked. Youth who are bullied have significantly lower peer status, lower social competence, and a negative opinion of self and school. It affects their grades, attitude and self-esteem. Furthermore, those with disabilities are twice as likely to become victims as their non-disabled counterparts, making school an even tougher environment than it already is. A 2009 survey of families with children on the autism spectrum found that almost 40 percent of them were bullied at some point during the school year.

The answer isn’t easy, but there are workable solutions that can drastically reduce youth violence, in particular bullying. In European countries, bullying is already dropping thanks to interventions that involve parents, multimedia communications, and teacher’s competencies in responding to bullying. What are they doing?

Schools in these countries have collaborated with communities and parents to prevent bullying from starting in the first place. Reductions in bullying were associated with eight key elements: parent training, increased playground supervision, non-punitive disciplinary methods, home to school communications, effective classroom rules, effective classroom management, embed anti-bullying into the curriculum, and utilizing social-emotional learning approaches.

Research has shown that collaborations to stop bullying do work. Here are a few take-aways from the most recent Webinar from Healthy People 2020:

·         Student opinion – bring students in whenever possible

·         Leadership opportunities – let students take ownership of the problem

·         Resources – give students the right tools to lead

·         Encouragement – taking a step back, reassure and support

·         Attending events – support student events and gain knowledge

·         Talking to the anti-defamation league – supporting world of difference programs in schools

·         Taking individual experiences seriously – acknowledging each experience and what it brings

·         Prioritizing – recognizing when to step up or step back

·         Understanding roles – should you be the student or the teacher?

·         Student task force – let students make the decision

·         Remaining aware – keep relationships well maintained and up-to-date

·         Spreading the wealth – recognizing unique abilities and using them

·         Innovative approach – get online and see what resources are out there

·         Prevention not intervention – stop bullying before it happens

·         Constant evolution – fresh ideas and people

·         Listening – genuine listening to students and all leaders

There is a great toolkit available to help communities work to prevent bullying at www.stopbullying.gov.

What is Healthy People?

This program provides 10-year objectives for improving the health of all Americans. For the past three decades, Healthy People has established benchmarks and monitored progress over time for three key purposes:

1.       Encourage collaborations across communities and sectors

2.       Empower individuals toward making informed health decisions

3.       Measure the impact of prevention activities

The current edition of the program, Healthy People 2020, launched on December 2, 2010 with new 10-year goals that will address the following mission points:

·         Identify nationwide health improvement priorities

·         Increase public awareness and understanding of determinants of health, disease and disability

·         Provide measurable objectives and goals

·         Engage multiple sectors to take actions

·         Identify critical research, evaluation and data collection needs

For more information on Healthy People, visit www.healthypeople.gov.

Reference

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2012). Healthy People 2020 Webinar: Bullying Among Adolescents. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/Learn/webinarsArchive.aspx#r.

Sleep deprivation is COSTLY!

Last year, sleep studies showed that the lack of sleep actually costs America billions of dollars each year and greatly compromises public safety and health.

In fact, one particular study published in the Neurodiagnostic Journal found that sleep dysfunctions could be traced to the Exxon Valdex disaster in 1989, the Challenger space shuttle explosion in 1986, the Three Mile Island nuclear accident in 1979, and the Chernobyl explosion in 1986. According to this study, the Exxon Valdez ran aground while under the control of a crewmember who only had four hours of sleep the night before.  The Challenger explosion was due to a ring seal failure; and those people in charge of that portion of the craft were sleep deprived due to the strict launch schedule. Human error and fatigue were to blame for both power plant incidences – which were on opposite ends of the world.

Furthermore, there is a high accident risk in health care facilities due to a lack of sleep. One study found that resident doctors are required to work 80 hours per week with regular rest periods; however, it is not providing them with sufficient sleep for optimal functioning. When your surgeon is sleep-deprived, your personal risk of injury or death greatly increases.

The cost of sleep disorders is exorbitant. Medical errors alone cost the economy up to $29 billion each year with many of those from sleep deprivation, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Approximately 20 percent of motor vehicle accidents are a result of driver sleepiness, costing the country $12.5 billion in lost productivity and property damages.  Other costs associated with sleep deprivation include $50 billion in overall lost productivity along with $6.5 billion in industrial accidents, injuries and deaths at work and $2 million in increased medical and psychiatric illnesses. In addition to those costs, annual indirect costs for sleepiness includes more than $800 million in prescription medications, $325 million in nonprescription medications, $660 million in outpatient physician visits, and $153 million in mental health services.

Of interest, between 60 and 70 percent of today’s workers report chronic sleep deprivation. Furthermore, the problem seems to trickle down to our children as well. According to a 2004 National Sleep Foundation study, more than 60 percent of our children experience frequent sleep issues. This can cause poor attention in school leading to poor grades, or poor overall behaviors.

It’s relatively common knowledge that lack of sleep is strongly linked with stress, mostly associated with work: manual labor, shift work, long hours, and feeling rushed or pressured to get their work done. Furthermore, one study discovered that 33 percent of Americans are losing sleep over the state of the economy.

So, how do we tackle the sleep issue? Public health professionals advocate for getting the appropriate amount of sleep. The number of sleep hours required for optimal well being varies by age. Here is a chart that can help you determine your optimal sleep hours:

How much sleep?

Ages 1-2 months	10.5-18 hours
3-11 months	9-12 hours during the night; 30 to 2 hours naps one to four times a day
1-3 years	12-14 hours
3-5 years	11-13 hours
5-12 years	10-11 hours
13-17	8.5-9.25 hours
All Adults over 18	7-9 hours

Source: The National Sleep Foundation at www.sleepfoundation.org

How do you obtain so many hours of sleep? Unfortunately, the stressors will continue and there are many other factors that are out of your control. How you react to those stressors and factors can help you reduce your stress level and increase your sleeping hours.

The National Sleep Foundation provides 8 key suggestions to help you obtain a solid night’s sleep:

• Establish consistent sleep and wake schedules, even on weekends.

• Create a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath or listening to soothing music - begin an hour or more before the time you expect to fall asleep.

• Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool.

• Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.

• Use your bedroom only for sleep (keep "sleep stealers" out of the bedroom - avoid watching television, using a computer, or reading in bed).

• Finish eating at least two to three hours before your regular bedtime.

• Exercise regularly during the day or at least a few hours before bedtime.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime and give up smoking.

References

Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research; Colten HR, Altevogt BM, editors. (2006). Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US). 4, Functional and Economic Impact of Sleep Loss and Sleep-Related Disorders. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19958/

National Sleep Foundation. (2011). Sleep is vital to our health & well being… Retrieved from http://www.sleepfoundation.org/.

Wells, M. E. & Vaughn, B. V. (2012). Poor sleep challenging the health of a nation. Neurodiagnostic Journal, 52, 233-249.

Will Banning Assault Weapons Improve Gun Violence?

Last December, following the tragic shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, the American Public Health Association (APHA) issued a letter calling for the renewal of the federal ban on assault weapons. The main issue was to close the loophole that made it very easy to obtain firearms from unauthorized sellers – mainly those at gun shows.

While Congress is still deciding what should be done about gun violence, several more school shootings have occurred since the Dec. 14^th Newtown shootings: On January 10^th, Taft Union School in Bakersfield California; on January 15^th, Stevens Institute of Business & Arts in St. Louis; and on January 15^th, Hazard Community and Technical College in Kentucky.

Sadly, school shootings aren’t really new. They have been around for centuries. Historians discovered that the first school shooting was recorded in 1764 in Pennsylvania when Lenape warriers (Native Americans) killed a teacher in front of his students. In 1853, a student shot and killed his teacher in Kentucky for punishing his brother; in 1891, a 70-year-old man shot students in a playground in Newburgh, New York; in 1917, a man shot a high school student in New York; and in 1946, a 15-year-old was shot at a Brooklyn school by other youth.

So why all the fuss now? What seems to have changed is the massive amount of attention these shootings are gaining through the media. Thanks to instant access to up-to-the-second information on the happenings in the nation (and the world), we are able to see all of the tragedies as they unfold. I think part of the problem stems from people’s need for attention. So basically violence gains the reward of attention. Remember when your child threw that temper tantrum at age 3? And, remember the more you yelled, the louder he got. In general terms (barring no serious medical issues), it was all about gaining attention. Perhaps that’s why we continue to see violence at insurmountable levels with large numbers of deaths and bloody horror scenes splayed across screens everywhere.

Americans may feel that controlling the weapons distribution may be the best answer. I’m not sure so about that. Research performed in 2001 regarding the impact of the 1994 Federal Assault Weapon Ban on Gun Violence “found no evidence of reductions in multiple-victim gun homicides or multiple gunshot wound victimizations.” (Source: Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 2001.) Of interest, one of the researchers for this article was from the Jerry Lee Center of Criminology at the University of Pennsylvania. At that time, the authors concluded that “the legislative process in a democratic society often results in modest policy changes that are not likely to produce large impacts.”

A follow-up study on the 1994 weapons ban focused on gun production rather than gun violence. This particular element showed more promise. If production had been significantly reduced, it would have driven the market price up to an out-of-reach purchase point by most people. This would have put fewer guns in the hands of criminals (and potential criminals). However, what actually happened was just prior to the implementation of the ban, production soared so that there would be a large supply. Hence, the price dropped and guns were less expensive and placed in a variety of hands – criminal and non-criminal, children and adults.

Despite our history, which lacks producing legislation that reduces gun violence, our congressional leaders continue to grapple over the issue with Republicans and Democrats taking their respective sides. Right now, the only focus that seems to be on the table is stricter background checks for prospective gun buyers, mainly to keep guns out of the hands of those with mental illnesses. But, think about it…what does that do for the people who already have the weapons? Quite frankly, nothing. Based on history, controlling who has guns and who doesn’t hasn’t made any impact on gun violence.

I really don’t have the answer, but I strongly believe that stricter background checks won’t reduce the violence. Overall, the problem is a holistic one…the violence seems to be a product of society. Jobs have been lost, people are in poverty, and other are suffering with poor health issues such as chronic diseases and cancers. People are reaching out for attention. Some turn to drugs, others alcohol and gambling. Others turn to violence. 

The problem is greater than simple gun control. There has to be some shift in the mindset of the American people – a mindset that not only provides peace of mind for people, but health and well-being. Unfortunately, that type of mindset cannot be done through any legislation.

References:

Chew, K. (2013). 3 school shootings since Newtown. Retrieved from http://www.care2.com/causes/3-school-shootings-since-newtown.html.

Koper, C. S., & Roth, J. A. (2001). The impact of the 1994 Federal Assault Weapon Ban on Gun Violence outcomes: An assessment of multiple outcome measures and some lessons for policy evaluation. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 17(1), 33-72.

Koper, C. S., & Roth, J. A. (2002). The impact of the 1994 Federal Assault Weapon Ban on Gun Markets: An assessment of short-term primary and secondary market effects. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 18(3), 239-266

Schneider, J. (2013). Long history of US school shootings mean Obama is right, NRA is wrong. Retrieved from http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2013/0116/Long-history-of-US-school-shootings-means-Obama-is-right-NRA-is-wrong.