Sunday, January 27, 2013

Research that Benefits Children and Families- Uplifting Stories


When we think of children, it is not unusual for early childhood professionals to go into the protective mode.  We are always concerned about the protection and wellbeing of children. So it is not unusual for educators to ask questions about research involving children.  However, According to scientific research of the National Academy of Sciences today have recognized how critical it is to honor ethical research.  The benefits that biomedical research has brought to infants, children, and adolescents are remarkable. In recent decades, research has helped change medical care and public health practices in ways that, each year, save or lengthen the lives of tens of thousands of children around the world. (NAS, 2005)  Breakthroughs have led to polio, measles, and other vaccines that have dramatically cut child deaths, disability, and discomfort from communicable diseases. (NAS, 2005)  
Many premature babies with underdeveloped lungs who once would have died now survive with the use of mechanical ventilators and surfactants (substances that make breathing easier). (NAS, 2005) This example holds dear to my heart because I have a daughter that was born premature at 2 pounds 11 ounces.  She stayed in the hospital for two months to allow her lungs to develop. For this personal reason and many more I believe that very careful research on children is necessary because it benefits not just those directly involved but all children.
References:
Retrieved from an article of the National Academy of Sciences http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10958

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