Jan. 18th, 2017
Weekly Chatter
Cervical Health Awareness Month
**ACPeds Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Update**

The latest HPV vaccine on the market, Gardasil 9 helps protect against 9 different strains of the Human Papillomavirus and prevents 74% of HPV cancers. It is also estimated that the vaccine will prevent 90% of anogenital warts caused by HPV viruses. 

However, the HPV vaccine trademarked by MERCK prior to FDA approval of Gardasil 9, Gardasil only protects against 4 HPV types and prevents 64% of HPV-associated cancers and 90% of anogenital warts. The original Gardasil is still available so parents who would prefer to have the broader coverage of Gardasil 9 should inquire about which vaccine their provider is using. Click here for the full update.

ACPeds supports offering HPV vaccination at adolescent well-child visits, but does not endorse mandatory HPV vaccination for school attendance because infection is acquired solely through sexual activity.

All adolescents, including those who receive the HPV vaccine, should be warned of the many mental, physical and social health risks associated with adolescent sexual activity which are not eliminated by the HPV vaccine.



In cooperation with parents, adolescent can successfully delay sexual debut until marriage. Research shows that in recent years, an increasing number of teens are successfully choosing to wait for sex.

The image below links to a 2 minute video for teens that highlights health risks associated with teen sexual activity like STIs, teen pregnancy, unwanted emotional entanglements, depression and suicidal thoughts. The main idea of the video is that ' waiting for sex is a decision packed with positive benefits' and even if a teen has "already had sex, it's not too late to decide to wait to have sex again."

It's Just Sex, Right?
It's Just Sex, Right?
Winter Sports TBI Prevention
Research shows that about a half a million children a year visit an emergency room for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Among adolescents they are the single largest cause of emergency room visits



Winter sports like skating, tobogganing, skiing and snowboarding are among the top 10 head injury categories among children ages 14 and younger. In addition, a new body of research conducted by the CDC revealed that playground concussions are on the rise. In the study, monkey bars and swings are what sent most children to the emergency room and were the most common cause of concussions.



Tips for staying safe in winter sports include...
  • Wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding.
  • No one should sled headfirst down a slope. Instead, sit in a forward-facing position, steering with one's feet or a rope tied to the steering handles of the sled.
  • Properly fuel before your activity & take breaks to eat and drink before hunger or thirst hits.


Click here for more winter sport safety tips and click here to join the campaign for Winter Sports TBI Awareness month.

Managing the Family Money                     #WeeklyBlogPost
According to the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysis, m oney issues are the 3rd leading cause of all divorces and research shows that parents can pass bad money habits to their kids.  

For good principles and practical ideas to help parents manage the family's money,


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