Research That Benefits Children and Families

I found a very interesting article in regards to research on pesticides and cancer found in children.  In this research, parents of children with cancer were interviewed and asked the following three questions:

                1). If the household had ever been exterminated for pests that required the family to leave the residence for a period of time;

                2). If the yard had ever been treated with pesticides or herbicides to control insects and weeds; and

                3). Had they ever used hanging pest strips inside the home.

What was found is that homes exterminated were linked with children who had lymphoma type cancer but no other types.  The study did not prove a strong connection between extermination and brain cancer.

With the use of yard insecticides and herbicides, a strong but imprecise connection was found between them and soft sarcomas.  Certain pesticides are also likely to be related to non-Hodgkin’s disease in adults.  Certain insecticides such as Diazinon, was related to leukemia in men, but was not tied to leukemia in children.

The use of pest strips are strongly associated with not only leukemia but also brain tumors.

In this study, the following conclusions were made:  pest strips are associated with certain childhood cancers; and second, we need more study to determine specific duration times and more specific pesticides.

Reference:

Leiss, J. & Savitz, D. (1995).  Home pesticide use and childhood cancer: a case-control study.  American Journal of Public Health;  Feb, 1995;  85(2) p 249-252.   Retrieved from Proquest Central.

Research Journey

For the simulation project I have decided to focus on teaching methods used in  other cultures.We are living in a very diverse country now and I see so many cultures integrated in the classrooms.  As an educator, I feel that it is important that I am familiar with what children from other countries are use to in their education.  This will help me be more effective for them and also help them be more comfortable in a new setting and also help them become more successful learners.

From some of my previous experiences, I have learned that many cultures find it necessary to be in your face when speaking and if there is distance between you it is offensive.  Is this true in the classrooms also?  I want to find out.  Some articles I have ran across for various cultures states that students are encouraged to do all work in small/large groups to build social skills and problem solving.  Yet others encourage students to work independently to build their own knowledge and confidence.

I am very eager to get started on this research journey and share everything I learn with my classmates and colleagues.