Latest news with #SeattleChildren'sHospital


Boston Globe
07-07-2025
- Health
- Boston Globe
American kids have become increasingly unhealthy over nearly two decades, new study finds
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has brought children's health to the forefront of the national policy conversation, unveiling in May a much-anticipated 'Make America Healthy Again' report that described children as undernourished and overmedicated, and raised concerns about their lack of physical activity. But the Trump administration's actions — including cuts to federal health agencies, Medicaid, and scientific research — are not likely to reverse the trend, according to outside experts who reviewed Monday's study. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'The health of kids in America is not as good as it should be, not as good as the other countries, and the current policies of this administration are definitely going to make it worse,' said Dr. Frederick Rivara, a pediatrician and researcher at the Seattle Children's Hospital and UW Medicine in Seattle. He coauthored an editorial accompanying the new study. Advertisement Forrest and his colleagues analyzed surveys, electronic health records from 10 pediatric health systems, and international mortality statistics. Among their findings: Advertisement ♦ Obesity rates for US children 2-19 years old rose from 17 percent in 2007-2008 to about 21 percent in 2021-2023. ♦ A US child in 2023 was 15 percent to 20 percent more likely than a US child in 2011 to have a chronic condition such as anxiety, depression, or sleep apnea, according to data reported by parents and doctors. ♦ Annual prevalence rates for 97 chronic conditions recorded by doctors rose from about 40 percent in 2011 to about 46 percent in 2023. ♦ Early onset of menstruation, trouble sleeping, limitations in activity, physical symptoms, depressive symptoms, and loneliness also increased among American children during the study period. ♦ American children were around 1.8 times more likely to die than youngsters in other high-income countries from 2007-2022. Being born premature and sudden unexpected death were much higher among US infants, and firearm-related incidents and motor vehicle crashes were much more common among 1- to 19-year-old American children than among those the same age in other countries examined. The research points to bigger problems with America's health, said Forrest, who is a pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. 'Kids are the canaries in the coal mine,' he said. 'When kids' health changes, it's because they're at increased vulnerability, and it reflects what's happening in society at large.' The timing of the study, he said, is 'completely fortuitous.' Well before the 2024 presidential election, Forrest was working on a book about thriving over the lifespan and couldn't find this sort of comprehensive data on children's health. The datasets analyzed have some limitations and may not be applicable to the full US population, noted Dr. James Perrin, a pediatrician and spokesman for the American Academy of Pediatrics, who wasn't involved in the study. Advertisement 'The basic finding is true,' he said. The editorial published alongside the study said while the administration's MAHA movement is bringing welcome attention to chronic diseases, 'it is pursuing other policies that will work against the interests of children.' Those include eliminating injury prevention and maternal health programs, canceling investments in a campaign addressing sudden infant death, and 'fueling vaccine hesitancy among parents that may lead to a resurgence of deadly vaccine-preventable diseases,' authors wrote. Officials from the US Health and Human Services Department did not respond to a request for comment. Forrest said risks highlighted by the MAHA report, such as eating too much ultra-processed food, are real but miss the complex reality driving trends in children's health. 'We have to step back and take some lessons from the ecological sustainability community and say: Let's look at the ecosystem that kids are growing up in. And let's start on a kind of neighborhood-by-neighborhood, city-by-city basis, examining it,' he said.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Three cars racing at 24 Hours of Le Mans raising money for Seattle Children's
The Heart of Racing team, competing in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in France, is raising money to support cardiology research at Seattle Children's Hospital. The team will be racing under the Aston Martin THOR team on Saturday starting at 8 a.m. PT, according to a spokesperson from Seattle Children's. Advertisement The Heart of Racing has raised over $3.5 million for Seattle Children's over the years and will feature the hospital's logo on all three racecars during the event, according to a spokesperson. 'Using the exposure of our motorsports teams, we generate donations to the Cardiology Research Fund and raise awareness of the demands for quality health care,' Seattle Children's writes. Saturday's running of the Le Mans marks 102 years since the race began, and it's regarded as one of the most iconic motorsport events in the world.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Talking Rain receives 2025 Puget Sound Business Journal Corporate Compassion award
Veronica Blankenship, chief people and communications officer at Talking Rain, holds the Corporate Compassion award at the PSBJ Corporate Citizenship Awards luncheon in Seattle on May 14. PRESTON, Wash., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Talking Rain Beverage Company®, makers of the No. 1 sparkling water brand, Sparkling Ice®, received this year's Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ) Corporate Compassion award. The recognition comes as part of PSBJ's annual Corporate Citizenship Awards, which highlight businesses in the Puget Sound region that actively contribute to the wellbeing of their communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and innovative partnerships. 'We are honored to be recognized among exceptional organizations who share our passion and commitment to supporting this community,' said Veronica Blankenship, chief people and communications officer at Talking Rain. Talking Rain supports numerous local charities and events, including Seattle Children's Hospital, food banks and the Seattle and Portland Marathons. Nationally, the company partners with Girls on the Run International, The Jed Foundation and K9s For Warriors. According to PSBJ, its Corporate Citizen Awards celebrate organizations that integrate social impact into their core operations, highlighting the importance of corporate involvement in addressing societal challenges. Talking Rain is deeply immersed in the Puget Sound community and with all its nonprofit partners, the company looks for ways to engage its key stakeholders to have a greater impact. It organizes joint fundraisers and promotional opportunities with its customers and key accounts, and it facilitates volunteer opportunities and other ways for employees to experience its charitable partners' missions firsthand. The nearly 500 Talking Rain employees, which it calls Rain Makers, are eager to show up for causes that align with the company's values. Last year, Rain Makers assembled 1,000 'Play Maker' kits to benefit the Jordan Morris Foundation at Seattle Children's Hospital, which provides social, emotional and mental health support and resources for families who are learning to live with their child's Type 1 diabetes (T1d) diagnosis. The kits, designed for kids who have been newly diagnosed with T1d, include a soccer ball, water bottle, sensory keychain, Seattle Children's-branded adhesive bandages and temporary tattoos. 'Seattle Children's has been the proud beneficiary of Talking Rain's sponsorship and product donations for decades,' said Eve Kopp, senior director of giving at Seattle Children's Hospital. 'The recent collaboration between Talking Rain and the Jordan Morris Foundation not only provided Play Maker kits to Seattle Children's Diabetes Clinic, but it also accelerated the distribution of the kits to more children. Talking Rain's generous financial contribution further provided crucial mental health resources, empowering kids facing this life-altering condition.' With national partners, too, Talking Rain has invited various stakeholders to take part. For example, Rain Makers in six cities are gearing up to give away Sparkling Ice at Girls on the Run 5k events this spring. And since Talking Rain released its co-branded six-packs of Sparkling Ice with K9s For Warriors in March, the company's vendors and retail partners have been finding new and exciting ways to help tell the story and raise funds for this life-saving organization. 'We know that current and potential employees of Talking Rain, as well as our retail partners and especially consumers of our products, are interested in aligning themselves with brands that share their values,' Blankenship said. 'We're dedicated to earning their trust and loyalty every day.' Learn more about Talking Rain at Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice®, is a family-owned company based in Preston, Washington. Through nearly four decades of redefining the sparkling water category, Talking Rain has crafted a remarkable collection of full-flavored, better-for-you beverages, including the No. 1 sparkling water brand in the U.S., Sparkling Ice (also available in Caffeine and Energy), and Popwell, a cold-crafted prebiotic soda. Talking Rain drinks are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants and come in a delicious array of bold flavors. Talking Rain believes in sharing its success to support healthy communities, personal wellbeing, and greater inclusivity. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should, too. For more information, please visit Media ContactAnnie AlleyFirmani + Associates206-466-2713talkingrain@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Talking Rain receives 2025 Puget Sound Business Journal Corporate Compassion award
Veronica Blankenship, chief people and communications officer at Talking Rain, holds the Corporate Compassion award at the PSBJ Corporate Citizenship Awards luncheon in Seattle on May 14. PRESTON, Wash., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Talking Rain Beverage Company®, makers of the No. 1 sparkling water brand, Sparkling Ice®, received this year's Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ) Corporate Compassion award. The recognition comes as part of PSBJ's annual Corporate Citizenship Awards, which highlight businesses in the Puget Sound region that actively contribute to the wellbeing of their communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and innovative partnerships. 'We are honored to be recognized among exceptional organizations who share our passion and commitment to supporting this community,' said Veronica Blankenship, chief people and communications officer at Talking Rain. Talking Rain supports numerous local charities and events, including Seattle Children's Hospital, food banks and the Seattle and Portland Marathons. Nationally, the company partners with Girls on the Run International, The Jed Foundation and K9s For Warriors. According to PSBJ, its Corporate Citizen Awards celebrate organizations that integrate social impact into their core operations, highlighting the importance of corporate involvement in addressing societal challenges. Talking Rain is deeply immersed in the Puget Sound community and with all its nonprofit partners, the company looks for ways to engage its key stakeholders to have a greater impact. It organizes joint fundraisers and promotional opportunities with its customers and key accounts, and it facilitates volunteer opportunities and other ways for employees to experience its charitable partners' missions firsthand. The nearly 500 Talking Rain employees, which it calls Rain Makers, are eager to show up for causes that align with the company's values. Last year, Rain Makers assembled 1,000 'Play Maker' kits to benefit the Jordan Morris Foundation at Seattle Children's Hospital, which provides social, emotional and mental health support and resources for families who are learning to live with their child's Type 1 diabetes (T1d) diagnosis. The kits, designed for kids who have been newly diagnosed with T1d, include a soccer ball, water bottle, sensory keychain, Seattle Children's-branded adhesive bandages and temporary tattoos. 'Seattle Children's has been the proud beneficiary of Talking Rain's sponsorship and product donations for decades,' said Eve Kopp, senior director of giving at Seattle Children's Hospital. 'The recent collaboration between Talking Rain and the Jordan Morris Foundation not only provided Play Maker kits to Seattle Children's Diabetes Clinic, but it also accelerated the distribution of the kits to more children. Talking Rain's generous financial contribution further provided crucial mental health resources, empowering kids facing this life-altering condition.' With national partners, too, Talking Rain has invited various stakeholders to take part. For example, Rain Makers in six cities are gearing up to give away Sparkling Ice at Girls on the Run 5k events this spring. And since Talking Rain released its co-branded six-packs of Sparkling Ice with K9s For Warriors in March, the company's vendors and retail partners have been finding new and exciting ways to help tell the story and raise funds for this life-saving organization. 'We know that current and potential employees of Talking Rain, as well as our retail partners and especially consumers of our products, are interested in aligning themselves with brands that share their values,' Blankenship said. 'We're dedicated to earning their trust and loyalty every day.' Learn more about Talking Rain at Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice®, is a family-owned company based in Preston, Washington. Through nearly four decades of redefining the sparkling water category, Talking Rain has crafted a remarkable collection of full-flavored, better-for-you beverages, including the No. 1 sparkling water brand in the U.S., Sparkling Ice (also available in Caffeine and Energy), and Popwell, a cold-crafted prebiotic soda. Talking Rain drinks are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants and come in a delicious array of bold flavors. Talking Rain believes in sharing its success to support healthy communities, personal wellbeing, and greater inclusivity. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should, too. For more information, please visit Media ContactAnnie AlleyFirmani + Associates206-466-2713talkingrain@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Trump flouted judge's order by canceling Seattle Children's grant, Washington AG says
A view of Seattle Children's Hospital. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Children's) Washington's attorney general asked a federal judge Thursday to hold the Trump administration in contempt for allegedly canceling a grant to Seattle Children's Hospital to research innovative gender-affirming care interventions. In the motion filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle, the state says the National Institutes of Health revoked the grant despite a court order, sending a letter to researchers that said 'this award no longer effectuates agency priorities.' 'Research programs based on gender identity are often unscientific, have little identifiable return on investment, and do nothing to enhance the health of many Americans,' the letter written by an NIH official adds. 'Many such studies ignore, rather than seriously examine, biological realities. It is the policy of NIH not to prioritize these research programs.' A second letter on Tuesday said the agency was stripping Seattle Children's of more than $200,000, potentially forcing the hospital to pay back grant money already spent. At the time of the Feb. 28 revocation, a temporary restraining order blocked the implementation of President Donald Trump's executive order looking to halt federal funding for institutions that provide gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The restraining order came in response to a lawsuit filed by Washington and other states, along with physicians. Late that night, Judge Lauren King agreed to block the Trump administration from enforcing the president's order, issuing a preliminary injunction that will remain in place while litigation continues. The injunction covers the four states involved in the lawsuit: Washington, Oregon, Minnesota and Colorado. The same day, the Department of Government Efficiency posted on the social media platform X that NIH had canceled grants totaling $10.9 million. When the attorney general's office reached out about the revoked funding for Seattle Children's, Justice Department attorneys responded by saying that the grant termination didn't violate King's orders because NIH 'terminated the grant based on its own authorities,' wrote William McGinty, of the attorney general's office. 'Under Defendants' stingy and self-serving reading of the Court's injunctions they can cancel any grant they want to, as long as they don't admit why they're doing it,' McGinty wrote. 'That is not how this works. Injunctions are not suggestions — they are binding orders of the Court. Defendants may not evade this Court's orders through game-playing.' McGinty claims the Seattle Children's grant is one of hundreds similarly defunded. In a letter to grant recipients Thursday, the Health Resources and Services Administration said it was examining $367 million in awards to 59 children's hospitals across the country related to gender-affirming care. In a declaration filed in court, the lead researcher on the canceled Seattle Children's grant wrote this is 'harmful to the health of the transgender and gender-expansive patients I serve.' 'It communicates that the healthcare needs and specific healthcare vulnerabilities of 'Transgender' youth do not matter,' the researcher wrote. The attorney general's office is now asking King to hold the administration in contempt and pay attorneys fees for its work on this issue. McGinty requested a hearing next Friday. A White House spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday night. This isn't the first case where Trump has been accused of skirting a court order. For example, a judge last month said the administration continued to withhold foreign aid despite a temporary block by finding a new reason for halting funding.