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A recent survey of 43,000 adults in the United States showed that those who begin drinking alcohol in their early adolescent years are at greater risk of an alcohol-related problem later. Furthermore, those who abused alcohol during their adolescent years were not only at greater risk of alcohol dependence at some point during their life but were also at greater risk of, first, dependence more quickly and at a younger age and second, chronic, relapsing dependence. Among all respondents who developed alcoholism at some point, almost half-47%-met diagnostic criteria for alcoholism by the time they were 21 years old.

A "rung bell" is common and can do significant acute and long-term harm to a developing brain. Because no guideline or protocol has been adequately studied for application to children and adolescents, take a cautious approach to management of concussion in youth, the author advises.

If you’ve been a reader of Consultant For Pediatricians for more than afew months, you’ve probably noticed that the journal is growing. Over thepast year, the number of editorial pages has increased considerably-thanks to your readership support.

The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) holds that pediatricians are responsible for oral health supervision of children younger than 3 years. How can I do a credible job of this in a busy office practice?