Physician Weighs In On Controversial CDC Recommendations Regarding Women And Alcohol
Dr. Ralph Steiger, a physician at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs who works with high-risk pregnancies, says part of the reason for the advice that women of childbearing age should not drink alcohol at all unless using birth control is to protect the fetuses' heart development. In other public health news, a federal task force issues recommendations on screening for depression in adolescents.
The Desert Sun:
Is One Glass Of Wine Too Much? Local Physician On CDC Rules
This month the [Centers] for Disease Control and Prevention came out with new recommendations telling women of childbearing age that unless they're using birth control, they shouldn't drink. Essentially the CDC is saying that if you're planning to get pregnant or not taking steps to prevent a pregnancy you should completely abstain from alcohol. (Newkirk, 2/8)
The Los Angeles Times:
Adolescents Should Be Screened For Depression Too, Federal Panel Says
Amid evidence that fewer than half of depressed adolescents get treatment for their emotional distress, a federal task force has recommended that physicians routinely screen children between 12 and 18 for depression and have systems in place either to diagnose, treat and monitor those who screen positive or to refer them to specialists who can. (Healy, 2/8)