Is Pediatrics the new Onion?

There are a few more laughs in the Onion usually but the Onion seems to have the firmer grasp on reality as well. But Pediatrics just keeps plugging along. Never a dull day when Winickoff and company are waxing wise. And what is the latest?

As reported in WebMD, the July print issue will feature a number of new insights into the risk parental smoking poses to child development. (These are not yet available online but I just cannot wait to report on this almost certainly important work.)

From study number one we have the following gem (to quote from WebMD): Mary-Jo Brion, PhD, of the University of Bristol, tells WebMD by email that babies exposed to smoke may be prone to rule breaking, such as lying, cheating, bullying, and disobedience.

From study number two we have: The study’s key finding, she says, is that paternal smoking clearly seems to be associated with higher childhood weight as assessed by body mass index. And -Jonathan P. Winickoff, MD, MPH, of Harvard Medical School, says the conclusion that paternal smoking also may influence “the developmental in utero origins of childhood obesity seems to be a novel finding.”

Novel, as in fiction?

Or from Doctors Lounge: Winickoff, co-author of the commentary, said it’s not true that smoking makes people skinnier. Instead, it boosts the weight around their bellies and hips, he explained. One theory is that secondhand smoke could do the same thing to those who are exposed, like the kids of dads who light up.

Alright, well that would explain why right along with the drop in smoking rates obesity is now at an all time low?

We’ll save the real analysis for when the articles become available.

You know, sometimes I feel a little bad about singling out Winickoff, but its just like that whack a weasel game, and his head just keeps popping up.

– Paul L. Bergen