#ChildHealth

A groundbreaking international study suggests that the type of protein you consume at different life stages could be the key to living a longer, healthier life. Published in Nature Communications and spotlighted by EatingWell on April 24, researchers found that animal-based proteins may be critical for child survival, while plant-based proteins are linked to healthier longevity in adulthood—a finding with important implications for Thailand, where dietary habits are rapidly evolving in both urban and rural communities (EatingWell).

Recent headlines have focused public attention on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, after he made sweeping statements about measles, autism, vaccines, and the impact of diet on health—claims that have sparked controversy internationally and resonate even among Thai readers navigating similar public health debates. As widespread measles outbreaks and concerns over rising autism rates draw renewed focus on medical facts and myths, a thorough examination of the latest research provides crucial context for Thai families, educators, and policymakers.

A growing number of parents are finding themselves overwhelmed and exhausted by the search for the “right” therapist for their children—especially for conditions like ADHD, where behavioral outbursts can create urgent family stress. This was the central story in a recent episode of Slate’s “Care and Feeding” parenting podcast, where hosts responded to a mother tired by seemingly endless therapy trials and the ongoing struggle to find support for her daughter’s behavioral needs. Her dilemma reflects a wider phenomenon now drawing attention in new research and news: ‘therapy shopping’—the often stressful, confusing, and time-consuming search for effective mental health care—is exacting a heavy toll on families everywhere (Slate Podcast).

A wave of new research is sending shockwaves through the pediatric and parenting communities worldwide, revealing that many babies and young children may be routinely exposed to harmful chemicals while they sleep—potentially threatening their brain development. Studies published by the University of Toronto, widely reported by leading outlets such as Medical Xpress, CNN, and NDTV, found that children’s mattresses often emit worrying quantities of phthalates, flame retardants, and other substances linked to a host of neurological and developmental disorders, triggering calls from scientists for urgent action by manufacturers and regulators (MedicalXpress, CNN, NDTV).

A small American town’s resistance to childhood vaccinations has turned into an international public health warning, as a measles outbreak sweeps through the community, resulting in the deaths of at least two children and serious illness for many more Mirror, Apr 15, 2025. The outbreak inundated local hospitals, rekindled global debates about vaccine misinformation, and now stands as a sobering lesson for countries like Thailand, where vaccine confidence is increasingly challenged by online conspiracy theories and social media rumors.

A recent Canadian study has sounded a global alarm by revealing that millions of children’s mattresses—commonplace items in bedrooms around the world, including Thailand—may be leaching hazardous chemicals linked to brain damage during sleep. Experts are now urging urgent action from parents and regulators everywhere, highlighting the dangers posed by flame retardants and phthalates found in these products, even as manufacturers claim compliance with safety standards (Daily Mail).

This discovery matters deeply to Thai families because a significant proportion of children and infants in the kingdom spend roughly one-third of their lives sleeping, a period critical for both brain health and overall development. Culturally, Thai parents take great care to provide safe, peaceful sleeping environments—sometimes including traditional practices such as “luk khoon” (rocking the baby to sleep) and being careful about bedding materials. Yet, research reveals not all mattresses are as safe as they appear, especially when manufactured with chemicals regulated only loosely in Thailand and many other countries.

In a startling revelation, a recent study by child health experts underscores the gravity of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with more than three million child deaths attributed to drug-resistant infections in 2022 alone. This surge in fatalities starkly illustrates AMR’s role as a formidable global health menace, uniquely threatening children in Africa and Southeast Asia. AMR occurs when microbes adapt, rendering antibiotics ineffective, a scenario that significantly imperils public health worldwide.

In an exciting development, a Brazilian study has highlighted cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential supplement in easing autism symptoms in children and young adults. Researchers from the University of São Paulo have found that oral CBD intake led to significant improvements in social skills, reduced aggression, and eased tantrums among young participants. This promising research, presented at the 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry, suggests that CBD could be incorporated into autism treatment plans alongside traditional therapies. However, experts remain cautious, calling for larger trials to confirm these findings.

The threat of measles is looming larger than ever with rising unvaccination rates posing significant public health risks worldwide. An enlightening report by The New York Times describes the grim reality of measles infection, specifically targeting unvaccinated children. Given the highly infectious nature of this virus, the findings are particularly poignant for Thailand, where vaccination campaigns have been critical in the past.

Measles, known as one of the most infectious viruses globally, requires no direct contact to spread. A simple stroll through a room where an infected individual was present could lead to transmission through inhaled droplets. The report highlighted that 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles will contract it. For Thailand, where public spaces such as markets and schools are pivotal in daily life, understanding this transmission dynamic is crucial in preventing outbreaks.