Finding clues about kids' health

By APARNA SURENDRAN
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
Children who have questions on personal health have another resource: BAM! (Body and Mind), a new Web site created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
BAM! -- http://www.bam.gov/ -- features information on topics such as physical fitness and asthma, designed to be kid-friendly in an interactive way. Its goal is to encourage healthy lifestyles and prevent risky behaviors such as violence, smoking, drinking and doing drugs, CDC spokeswoman Suzanne Gates said.
Healthy lifestyles, such as physical activity and good nutrition and mental health, are emphasized on the Web site to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease later in life, Gates said. The site also encourages prevention of infectious diseases via immunizations and good hygiene.
The site is aimed at children 9 to 13 years old, but its authors hope to expand its reach to younger and older users. The Web site was started in June and has averaged about 700 unique hits a day, a number expected to go up as the school year starts, Gates said. It will be published online four times a year.
Getting information
The site relies on CDC scientists and outside experts for its medical information.
All the topics are based on school curricula and research into the interests of children, parents and educators, Gates said. For instance, children can make their own "activity calendars" by selecting activities based on location, environment, and number of team members.
Another segment spotlights "disease detectives," who teach children about different diseases. This summer's "detective" is Stephen Redd, chief of the air pollution and respiratory health branch in the National Center for Environmental Health at the CDC. Redd tackled questions on asthma.
Children can also learn from others their own age. Jimmy Huebbers, 13, a blind figure skater, is a featured "whiz kid." He discusses his experiences in skating events with the Skating Association for the Blind and Handicapped.
There is a section for teachers who can supplement lesson plans with information from the Web site. A parents' section is to be introduced shortly, Gates said.
The CDC plans to promote the Web site nationwide through classrooms, youth organizations and science museums.
"BAM!," Gates said, "allows kids to explore the world of health and answer questions they specifically have in an entertaining and engaging way."